Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the U.S. for higher education. From the Ivy League halls of the University of Pennsylvania to the cutting-edge labs of Carnegie Mellon University, the state offers world-class universities that attract students from around the globe. In this 2025 guide, I’ll break down the Top 20 Universities in Pennsylvania, what makes each special, their key programs, and a few tips for students who plan to apply. All links lead to official university websites for accurate info on admission and fees.
1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – Philadelphia
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the eight Ivy League schools and among the top private research universities in the United States. It balances historic tradition with modern innovation.
Home to the world-famous Wharton School of Business, along with top programs in medicine, law, engineering and education.
Penn’s urban campus in Philadelphia offers access to internships, start-ups, and cultural life.
It encourages interdisciplinary learning — students can take courses across different schools.
Top Programs:
Business (Wharton School)
Engineering and Applied Science
Nursing and Medicine
Law and Public Policy
Campus Vibe:
- UPenn’s campus mixes old-world architecture with modern labs and tech centers. Students describe the community as driven, ambitious, and collaborative.
- Visit Official Website
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) – Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon is internationally known for its strength in technology, engineering, and the arts. It’s one of the most innovative universities in the world — especially for students interested in AI, robotics and computer science.
Ranked among the top five universities worldwide for Computer Science and Engineering.
Home to world-renowned research centers like the Robotics Institute and Software Engineering Institute.
Strong collaboration between tech and creative disciplines — you’ll find students mixing coding with design and drama.
Top Programs:
Computer Science & AI
Robotics & Engineering
Design & Drama
Business (Tepper School of Business)
Campus Vibe:
- Tech-savvy and fast-paced. CMU students are known for their intellect and creativity. If you thrive in an intense, innovation-driven environment — this is your place.
- Visit Official Website
3. The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) – University Park
Penn State is the state’s flagship public research university and one of the largest in the U.S. It offers over 275 majors and a network of 20+ campuses across Pennsylvania.
Huge range of programs — from business to agriculture to engineering.
Strong research output and industry connections.
Powerful alumni network (700,000+ worldwide).
Big-time college spirit — especially when it comes to football and campus events.
Top Programs:
Engineering
Business (Smeal College of Business)
Earth and Mineral Sciences
Education and Agricultural Sciences
Campus Vibe:
- Classic college-town feel with a huge sense of community. Students often praise the balance between academics and social life.
- Visit Official Website
4. University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) – Pittsburgh
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a leading public research university with top-tier programs in medicine, public health, and engineering. It’s deeply connected with the UPMC Health System, giving students incredible hands-on experience.
Consistently ranked among the top public universities for health and medical research.
Excellent urban campus life with internships in Pittsburgh’s tech and healthcare sectors.
Affordable in-state tuition and strong financial aid options.
Top Programs:
Health Sciences & Medicine
Engineering
Public Health
Social Work and Humanities
Campus Vibe:
- Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, Pitt offers the perfect blend of urban energy and campus community.
- Visit Official Website
5. Swarthmore College – Swarthmore
Swarthmore College is a top-ranked liberal-arts college known for academic excellence, small classes, and a tight-knit community. It’s ideal for students who want personalized attention and rigorous intellectual growth.
Small class sizes (8:1 student-faculty ratio).
Collaborative atmosphere focused on critical thinking and social impact.
Access to the Tri-College Consortium with Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges for course sharing.
Top Programs:
Economics and Political Science
Engineering (Liberal-Arts based)
Environmental Studies
Social Sciences and Humanities
Campus Vibe:
- Peaceful suburban setting just outside Philadelphia, ideal for focused study and tight academic communities.
- Visit Official Website
6. Lehigh University – Bethlehem
Lehigh University is one of Pennsylvania’s best private research universities, known for its strong engineering, business, and science programs. Founded in 1865, Lehigh offers a beautiful hillside campus overlooking Bethlehem, blending academic rigor with a close community feel.
Top-ranked for engineering, business, and applied sciences.
Excellent internship and co-op opportunities with Fortune 500 companies.
Offers a great balance between research intensity and a liberal-arts environment.
Top Programs:
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Finance and Accounting
Computer Science & Data Analytics
Environmental Science
Campus Vibe:
- Lehigh has an energetic campus with historic buildings, modern labs, and a collaborative student community. It’s big enough for research yet small enough for personal connections.
- Visit Official Website
7. Drexel University – Philadelphia
Drexel University stands out for its innovative co-op education system, where students alternate between academic study and full-time paid work experience. This real-world focus makes Drexel grads highly employable.
Drexel’s co-op program lets students earn up to 18 months of professional experience before graduating.
Excellent programs in business, engineering, nursing, and design.
Located right in Philadelphia, offering city life and professional opportunities.
Top Programs:
Computer & Information Sciences
Nursing and Health Professions
Business Administration
Architecture and Design
Campus Vibe:
- Modern, urban, and career-driven. Students here are motivated and career-focused, with direct access to city life and industry connections.
- Visit Official Website
8. Villanova University – Villanova
Villanova is a private Catholic university known for its academic excellence, values-based education, and top-tier business and law programs. It combines tradition with modern academic standards.
The Villanova School of Business consistently ranks among the best in the U.S.
Strong sense of community, ethics, and service learning.
Excellent outcomes in law, business, and engineering.
Top Programs:
Business & Finance
Law
Engineering
Communication
Campus Vibe:
- Villanova has a close-knit, friendly community. The campus is beautifully maintained with strong school pride, especially around basketball season!
- Visit Official Website
9. Temple University – Philadelphia
Temple is one of Pennsylvania’s largest public research universities and offers over 500 academic programs. It’s especially strong in fields like health, business, education, and media studies.
Affordable tuition compared to many private institutions.
Diverse student body and vibrant city life.
Excellent programs in health sciences, communications, and business.
Top Programs:
Media & Communication (Klein College)
Business (Fox School of Business)
Public Health and Education
Criminal Justice
Campus Vibe:
- Dynamic and urban — Temple’s main campus in North Philadelphia is energetic, diverse, and filled with opportunities for real-world learning.
- Visit Official Website
10. Bucknell University – Lewisburg
Bucknell is one of the top liberal-arts universities in Pennsylvania, combining small-college intimacy with strong engineering and business programs. It offers the best of both worlds — personalized education and strong career outcomes.
Liberal-arts core with practical learning.
Beautiful campus located along the Susquehanna River.
Excellent alumni network and internship opportunities.
Top Programs:
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Business and Management
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Campus Vibe:
- Peaceful, traditional campus life with a focus on academics, community, and leadership development.
- Visit Official Website
11. Haverford College – Haverford
Haverford College is a small, elite liberal-arts college known for academic rigor, strong honor-code culture, and close faculty mentorship. It emphasizes ethics, social responsibility, and collaborative learning.
Extremely low student-to-faculty ratio (~9:1)
Strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and sciences
Access to the Tri-College Consortium with Swarthmore and Bryn Mawr
Top Programs:
Economics & Political Science
Biology & Chemistry
Philosophy & History
Campus Vibe:
- Tight-knit, academically focused, with a strong sense of community and collaboration.
- Visit Official Website
12. Bucknell University – Lewisburg (Expanded Details)
Bucknell combines a strong liberal-arts education with highly regarded engineering and business programs. Its campus along the Susquehanna River offers a serene, traditional college atmosphere.
Excellent balance of academics, athletics, and student life
Strong career and internship placement opportunities
Personalized attention with a student-to-faculty ratio of ~11:1
Top Programs:
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical)
Business & Management
Environmental Studies
Campus Vibe:
- Focused and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on leadership and student involvement.
- Visit Official Website
13. Lafayette College – Easton
Founded in 1826, Lafayette is a liberal-arts college with strong engineering and business programs. It emphasizes research opportunities for undergraduates and a tight-knit campus community.
Personalized attention and strong mentorship
Research opportunities for undergraduates in STEM and humanities
Strong alumni network in business and government
Top Programs:
Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical)
Economics & Finance
Political Science & International Relations
Campus Vibe:
- Small-town campus feel with accessible professors and collaborative student culture.
- Visit Official Website
14. Villanova University – Villanova (Expanded Details)
Villanova is a private Catholic university with strong programs in business, law, and engineering, blending tradition with modern academics.
Ethical, community-focused education
Strong undergraduate research opportunities
Notable success in professional programs (especially law and business)
Top Programs:
Business & Finance
Law
Engineering
Campus Vibe:
- Community-oriented, with a vibrant mix of academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.
- Visit Official Website
15. Temple University – Philadelphia (Expanded Details)
Temple is one of Pennsylvania’s largest public research universities, with over 500 programs and a diverse urban campus.
Affordable tuition with strong in-state benefits
Excellent programs in media, health, business, and education
Large alumni network and strong urban connections
Top Programs:
Media & Communication (Klein College)
Health Sciences & Nursing
Business & Finance
Campus Vibe:
- Energetic, urban, and diverse — students experience city life combined with academic rigor.
- Visit Official Website
16. Swarthmore College – Swarthmore (Expanded Details)
Swarthmore is a top liberal-arts college emphasizing rigorous academics, student-faculty collaboration, and social responsibility. Its small class sizes allow for personalized attention.
Highly interactive classes with faculty mentorship
Access to the Tri-College Consortium (Haverford & Bryn Mawr)
Strong preparation for graduate and professional schools
Top Programs:
Political Science & Economics
Engineering (liberal-arts based)
Environmental Studies
Campus Vibe:
- Close-knit and intellectual, ideal for students seeking academic challenge and collaborative learning.
- Visit Official Website
17. Franklin & Marshall College – Lancaster
Founded in 1787, Franklin & Marshall is a private liberal-arts college with strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and sciences. It emphasizes student research and experiential learning.
Strong undergraduate research opportunities
Focus on leadership, ethics, and critical thinking
Personalized academic advising
Top Programs:
Political Science & International Relations
Biology & Chemistry
History & Philosophy
Campus Vibe:
- Historic campus with a small-college feel and strong student engagement.
- Visit Official Website
18. Muhlenberg College – Allentown
Muhlenberg is a private liberal-arts college known for arts, music, and pre-professional programs. It offers close student-faculty collaboration and an active campus life.
Strong music and performing arts programs
Opportunities for internships and community engagement
Personalized attention with small class sizes
Top Programs:
Performing Arts & Music
Business & Management
Communication & Media
Campus Vibe:
- Friendly, collaborative, and supportive — students often mention the welcoming community.
- Visit Official Website
19. Duquesne University – Pittsburgh
Duquesne is a private Catholic university offering programs in business, law, health sciences, and liberal arts. It is highly regarded for professional preparation and ethical education.
Strong programs in nursing, pharmacy, and law
Active campus community and service-oriented culture
Good urban location with internship opportunities
Top Programs:
Nursing & Health Sciences
Law
Business Administration
Campus Vibe:
- Urban Catholic university with strong community values, professional focus, and a supportive environment.
- Visit Official Website
20. Dickinson College – Carlisle
Dickinson is a liberal-arts college emphasizing global education, sustainability, and experiential learning. It’s highly ranked for international programs and public policy.
Strong global studies and environmental programs
Encourages internships, study abroad, and community engagement
Focus on interdisciplinary learning
Top Programs:
International Relations & Political Science
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Business & Economics
Campus Vibe:
- Small, intellectually focused campus with a global perspective and active student involvement.
- Visit Official Website
Final Conclusion
Pennsylvania offers an impressive range of higher-education opportunities, from Ivy League prestige to top-tier public universities and elite liberal-arts colleges. The Top 20 universities in Pennsylvania provide options for every type of student — whether you’re seeking research opportunities, professional programs, global perspectives, or a close-knit campus community.
Choosing the right university is about more than rankings: consider your academic goals, preferred campus environment, career ambitions, and personal fit. With world-class resources, diverse programs, and vibrant campus life, Pennsylvania universities prepare students for success both nationally and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which is the best university in Pennsylvania?
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is widely regarded as the top university in the state, consistently ranking among the top 10 in the U.S. Its Ivy League reputation, strong programs, and global alumni network make it the premier choice for many students.
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2. Which university is best for technology and engineering?
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is the leading choice for technology, engineering, AI, and robotics. Penn State and Lehigh University also offer excellent engineering programs with strong industry connections.
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3. What is the best public university in Pennsylvania?
Penn State (University Park) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) are the top public research universities in Pennsylvania. They combine large-scale research, diverse programs, and robust campus life.
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4. Which universities offer the best liberal arts programs?
Swarthmore College, Haverford College, Bucknell University, Lafayette College, and Dickinson College are top choices for liberal arts. These schools emphasize small classes, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning.
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5. How can I choose the right university in Pennsylvania?
Focus on these factors:
Your academic interests and the university’s strengths
Campus culture and student life
Location and city vs. small-town environment
Tuition, scholarships, and financial aid options
Internship, research, and career placement opportunities
Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and exploring official university websites can help you make an informed decision.
