Pennsylvania is home to numerous prestigious universities offering diverse academic programs. The state boasts renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, recognized for its Ivy League status and comprehensive research initiatives. Carnegie Mellon University stands out for its strengths in technology and innovation. Penn State University, with its extensive campuses, excels in various disciplines. Temple University and Drexel University in Philadelphia also provide strong urban education experiences. Pennsylvania's higher education landscape features a mix of public and private institutions, contributing significantly to research advancements and educational excellence both within the state and nationally.
Top Universities in the City
Pennsylvania's urban landscape is dotted with exceptional universities that offer various academic programs and contribute significantly to education and research. This overview explores ten top universities across the state's cities, highlighting their distinct attributes and contributions to higher learning.
1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Ranking: Ivy League institutions consistently ranked among the top U.S. universities.
Average Course Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs, varies for graduate programs.
Courses Offered: Extensive offerings spanning business, engineering, arts, sciences, and more.
Average Fees: Varies by program, renowned for financial aid opportunities.
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
2. Drexel University
Ranking: Notable for engineering, technology, and cooperative education programs.
Average Course Duration: Varies based on program and degree level.
Courses Offered: Strong emphasis on STEM, healthcare, and business fields.
Average Fees: Varies by program; cooperative education adds value.
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
3. Temple University
Ranking: Prominent for its diverse offerings and urban campus experience.
Average Course Duration: Varies by program, including traditional and accelerated options.
Courses Offered: Comprehensive range of disciplines, particularly in arts, media, and healthcare.
Average Fees: Competitive tuition rates and in-state advantages.
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
4. Villanova University
Ranking: Recognized for its strong commitment to undergraduate education.
Average Course Duration: 4 years for most undergraduate programs.
Courses Offered: Emphasis on liberal arts, business, engineering, and law.
Average Fees: Reflective of a private Catholic institution.
Location: Villanova, PA (near Philadelphia).
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Ranking: Renowned for technology, computer science, arts, and innovation.
Average Course Duration: Varies across programs, including traditional and interdisciplinary options.
Courses Offered: Strong focus on computer science, engineering, arts, and business.
Average Fees: Reflective of a prestigious private research university.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
6. University of Pittsburgh
Ranking: A leading public research university with diverse disciplines.
Average Course Duration: Varies by program and degree level.
Courses Offered: Extensive offerings spanning health sciences, engineering, humanities, and more.
Average Fees: Competitive for in-state students, opportunities for scholarships.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
7. Lehigh University
Ranking: Known for engineering, business, and a strong sense of community.
Average Course Duration: 4 years for undergraduate programs, varies for graduate programs.
Courses Offered: Emphasis on engineering, business, and arts and sciences.
Average Fees: Comparable to private institutions of similar caliber.
Location: Bethlehem, PA.
8. Duquesne University
Ranking: Notable for its strong law, business, and health sciences programs.
Average Course Duration: Varies by program and degree level.
Courses Offered: Focus on law, business, healthcare, and liberal arts.
Average Fees: Reflective of a private institution with a commitment to value.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
9. Wilkes University
Ranking: Known for its personalized attention and experiential learning.
Average Course Duration: Varies based on program and degree level.
Courses Offered: Emphasis on health sciences, business, and creative arts.
Average Fees: Competitive tuition rates with opportunities for aid.
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA.
10. La Salle University
Ranking: Noted for its strong liberal arts foundation and professional programs.
Average Course Duration: 4 years for most undergraduate programs.
Courses Offered: Emphasis on liberal arts, business, and healthcare.
Average Fees: Reflective of a private institution with a commitment to accessibility.
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
These outstanding universities enrich Pennsylvania's cities, providing diverse educational opportunities, fostering innovation, and contributing significantly to research and local communities. Whether Ivy League institutions in Philadelphia or technology-focused powerhouses in Pittsburgh, the state offers many options for students seeking quality higher education experiences.
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Ivy League
4 years (UG)
Business, Engineering, Arts, Sciences
Varies
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Notable
Varies
Engineering, STEM, Business
Varies
Philadelphia, PA
Temple University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Prominent
Varies
Arts, Media, Healthcare
Competitive
Philadelphia, PA
Villanova University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Recognized
4 years (UG)
Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering
Reflective
Villanova, PA
Carnegie Mellon University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Renowned
Varies
Computer Science, Engineering, Arts
Prestigious
Pittsburgh, PA
University of Pittsburgh
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Leading
Varies
Health Sciences, Engineering, Humanities
Competitive
Pittsburgh, PA
Lehigh University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Known
4 years (UG)
Engineering, Business, Arts
Comparable
Bethlehem, PA
Duquesne University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Notable
Varies
Law, Business, Healthcare
Reflective
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Known
Varies
Health Sciences, Business
Competitive
Wilkes-Barre, PA
La Salle University
Ranking
Avg. Course Duration
Courses Offered
Avg. Fees
Location
Noted
4 years (UG)
Liberal Arts, Business, Healthcare
Reflective
Philadelphia, PA
Degree Level Wise Top Universities in the City
Pennsylvania's urban landscape has exceptional universities specializing in various degree levels and academic disciplines. Below is an in-depth look at the top five universities in each degree category, accompanied by a table detailing their rankings, prominent courses, and average fees:
Top Universities in the City for Undergraduate (UG) Programs
Rank
University
Top Courses Offered
Average Fees
1
University of Pennsylvania
Business, Engineering, Arts
Varies
2
Drexel University
Engineering, STEM, Business
Varies
3
Temple University
Arts, Media, Healthcare
Competitive
4
Villanova University
Liberal Arts, Business, Eng.
Reflective
5
Lehigh University
Engineering, Business, Arts
Comparable
Top Universities in the City for Master Programs
Rank
University
Top Courses Offered
Average Fees
1
University of Pennsylvani
MBA, Engineering, Law
Varies
2
Carnegie Mellon University
Computer Science, Engineering
Prestigious
3
University of Pittsburgh
Health Sciences, Business
Competitive
4
Drexel University
Technology, Business, Arts
Varies
5
Temple University
Media, Public Health, Business
Competitive
Top Universities in the City for Doctorate Programs
Rank
University
Top Courses Offered
Average Fees
1
University of Pennsylvania
PhD in Various Fields
Varies
2
Carnegie Mellon University
Computer Science, Eng.
Prestigious
3
University of Pittsburgh
Research-based Programs
Competitive
4
Drexel University
Engineering, Technology
Varies
5
Temple University
Health Professions, Education
Competitive
Top Universities in the City for Diploma Programs
Rank
University
Top Courses Offered
Average Fees
1
Temple University
Various Diploma Programs
Varies
2
Drexel University
Tech, Business, Healthcare
Varies
3
Villanova University
Business, Engineering, Law
Reflective
4
La Salle University
Liberal Arts, Business, Arts
Reflective
5
Duquesne University
Law, Business, Healthcare
Reflective
Pennsylvania's cities shine as educational hubs, offering many top-tier universities catering to various degree levels. With diverse programs and dedicated faculties, these institutions are molding the next generation of scholars and professionals.
Admission Requirements for Top Universities in the City
Top universities in the city typically require strong academic records, standardized test scores (such as SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs), letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted personal statement. Demonstrated leadership, extracurricular activities, and relevant experience often play a role. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is common for international students. Some programs may require interviews or portfolios. Admission criteria may vary based on the university and program, emphasizing a holistic evaluation of applicants' potential and fit for the institution's ethos. It's essential to review each university's specific requirements and deadlines for accurate application preparation.
Documents Required for Top Universities in City
Top universities in the city typically require application forms, academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for graduate programs), letters of recommendation, a well-crafted personal statement, and a resume detailing relevant experiences. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is necessary for international applicants. Depending on the field of study, some programs may request additional materials like writing samples, portfolios, or interviews. It's essential to review each university's specific document requirements and deadlines to ensure a complete and competitive application.
Scholarships Available at Top Universities in the City
Top universities in the city offer a range of scholarships to help students pursue their academic goals. Here are some notable scholarships available:
1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships based on academic excellence. These awards consider GPA, standardized test scores, and class rank.
2. Need-Based Scholarships: Financial need-based scholarships provide assistance to students with demonstrated financial need, ensuring access to education regardless of economic background.
3. Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships promote diversity by supporting underrepresented groups, such as minorities, first-generation students, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Departmental Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships specific to certain academic departments or majors, rewarding students with exceptional skills and commitment in those fields.
5. Leadership Scholarships: Recognizing leadership qualities, these scholarships reward students with a track record of leadership and community engagement.
6. Athletic Scholarships: Student-athletes with exceptional sports skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships, covering tuition and sometimes other expenses.
7. International Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for international students, helping to ease the financial burden of studying abroad.
8. Research Scholarships: Research scholarships may be available for graduate students to support research projects or assistantships.
9. Alumni Scholarships: Some universities offer scholarships to the children or relatives of alumni, fostering a sense of legacy and tradition.
10. Full-Ride Scholarships: These comprehensive scholarships cover tuition, fees, and sometimes even room and board, providing an all-encompassing support system for exceptional students.
Prospective students should thoroughly explore each university's scholarship offerings, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and requirements. It's advisable to contact the university's financial aid office for accurate and up-to-date information on the scholarships available and how to apply for them.
The University of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a Catholic institution prioritizing balanced education grounded in Liberal Arts. Founded in 1888 as Saint Thomas College by Scranton's first bishop, Reverend William G. O’Hara, D.D, the university was later handed to the Society of Jesus.
Currently, there are over 4,692 students enrolled in the institution for undergraduate and graduate programs. As a part of the employee force, 281 full-time and 175 tenured faculties are a part of the University of Scranton.
There is no shortage of student services and state-of-the-art laboratories in the institution. The university has recently spent more than USD 295 million on campus improvements. Students can avail the benefits of The Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus, The Loyola Science Center, The DeNaples Center, etc. All labs are equipped with the latest devices like an Atomic force microscope, The DeNaples Center, Proton Detectors, etc. Additionally, there are 80 student clubs like spiritual groups and nonprofit organizations.
Students get a chance to choose their course choice from the 69 undergraduate, 35 postgraduate, 5 minors, and 3 doctoral programs, The institution has divided courses into disciplines like Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, Humanities, Health Sciences & Related Professions, Social Science, and Business.
The University of Scranton has been home to many notable personalities in various fields like business, athletics, entertainment, and politics. Jason Miller, a renowned American playwright & actor, was awarded the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. Kathleen Kane served as the 48th Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 2013 to 2016 and previously worked as a lawyer. Additionally, the alumni group includes names like John Cusick and Kelvin C. Kiley, who remained a part of the US Army as Lieutenant General and Surgeon General, respectively.
To help students navigate the employment sector after graduation, the University of Scranton has a dedicated Gerard R. Roche Center For Career Development. Virtual events and fairs are regularly organized where multiple industry leaders like Geisinger, Deloitte, Highland Associates, Benefits Health System, etc., are present.
Penn's innate culture and innovation ecosystem support the university's academic program. Faculty and students at the university are involved in everything that is cutting edge. With a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and enhanced by the combined resources of four undergraduate and twelve graduate schools, Penn provides students with an unmatched education shaped by intellectual rigor, research, inclusivity, and the drive to generate new knowledge that will benefit people and communities everywhere.
Latest About University of Pennsylvania
An enthusiastic On Thursday, August 22, the Class of 2028 convened at The Palestra for the "Building the Penn Community" event of New Student Orientation. During this event, first-year students were introduced to Penn's civic engagement resources and cultural centers, and they participated in talks about intercultural dialogue given by faculty, staff, and students. Penn Spirit Day included a mid-afternoon program.
Highlights of University of Pennsylvania
Established
1740, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Website
https://www.upenn.edu/
Also Known As
The Quakers
QS Ranking
#12
US News & World Report- Global University Ranking
#6
Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking
16th
Accepted Exams
SAT, ACT, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test.
Total No. of Students
28,201
Scholarships
Penn offers only need-based undergraduate aid, just like other Ivy League universities. Scholarships are not given by the university on the basis of athletic or academic merit. The 12 graduate and professional schools at Penn offer some financial aid in the form of grants. Grant funding is given by certain institutions based on financial need, whereas funds from other schools are given based on professional or academic performance.
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
Contact Information
Address: Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
Phone: +1 215-898-5000
History of University of Pennsylvania
Penn was founded in 1740 when an idea to construct a charity school and house of worship in Philadelphia first surfaced. Benjamin Franklin penned his well-known essay, "Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth," published it in 1749, distributed it to prominent Philadelphians, and gathered 24 trustees to establish a school of higher education based on his ideas. After purchasing the building, the organization established the Academy and Charitable School in the Province of Pennsylvania, welcoming students from both the working class and the gentry. This was done in 1751. Franklin presided over the organization as president until 1755 and remained a trustee until his passing in 1790.
In the years that followed, Penn established the first medical school in the American colonies (1765), graduated its first class (1757), applied for a collegiate charter (1755), and was later recognized as the first university in the country (1779). The University moved to a new campus in 1802, but by the 1860s had outgrown even that location. As a result, the trustees constructed a new campus in West Philadelphia, a streetcar suburb, in 1872.
Mission: The pursuit, advancement, and diffusion of knowledge as well as the unrestricted interchange of ideas required to achieve this aim constitute the core missions of the University of Pennsylvania.
Vision: From now on, Penn's only goal will be to support academic and research achievement.
Core values: The core values of Penn establishes their organization's principles and guide the way they do everything, including their culture and procedures.
Excellence: This is what they will aim for, and they will do it by being inventive and creative.
Integrity: They pledge to uphold truthfulness, equity, and intellectual honesty.
Diversity: They will promote ethnic, social, cultural, and intellectual diversity.
Popular Courses
At the University of Pennsylvania, the most popular programs are: engineering; computer and information sciences and support services; multi/interdisciplinary studies; physical sciences; biology and biomedical sciences; health professions and related programs; business, management, marketing, and related support services; social sciences; and philosophy and religious studies.
University of Pennsylvania Placements
For its 2022 graduating class, the University of Pennsylvania, or UPenn, reports an overall employment rate of 78%. The consulting industry saw the highest recruitments, placing over 100 students, while the overall median income was reported at USD 80,000. About 38 pupils participated in the administration industry in terms of function. In 2022, the University of Pennsylvania's placement rate was 94.1%. This year, the Upenn starting pay for Financial Services was $85,000 USD.
University of Pennsylvania Campus Life
Enjoy a stroll along Locust Walk, have a conversation with Ben while sitting on the Bench, support the Quakers, and immerse yourself in Penn's numerous distinctive and age-old customs. You can take part in multicultural, artistic, political, and social activities that apply what you've learned. Culture and the arts are deeply ingrained in Penn life, from the unique museums on campus to the outstanding student performances in theater, dance, and music.
University of Pennsylvania Alumni
The notable alumni of the University of Pennsylvania are Donald Trump, Elon Musk, John Legend, Beau Biden, and many more.
University of Pennsylvania Faculty
The approximately 5,000 faculties at UPenn are visible, friendly, and easily accessible on campus. Some of them have made the decision to live in the College Houses with undergraduates, demonstrating their dedication to our students beyond the classroom.
Penn State University, known as Pennsylvania State University, is a research-based public university offering research and education in Pennsylvania, United States of America (USA). Since 1855, the university has offered quality education in the form of undergraduate, graduate, certification, and doctoral programs to students. It is a sole land education industry founded with the mission of high-quality research, education, and placement records.
Being the 25th best research university in the USA, every degree and program is well designed with industry exposure, live projects, and research methodology. There are partial funding scholarship programs available for needy and meritorious students. The alumni community of Penn State Pennsylvania, USA, is more than a large network of 740,000 globally.
Gannon University comprises two campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ruskin, Florida in the United States of America. Gannon University is a leading Diocesan and Catholic university which remains firmly committed to the pursuit of academic, teaching, and service excellence. Students are prepared to become members of global society via programs that are deeply rooted in the liberal sciences and arts along with other professional specializations. A value-based learning experience is the biggest USP of the institution along with its emphasis on values such as inclusiveness, faith, social responsibility, and leadership. The Gannon university acceptance rate is 79.2%. Gannon University offers a student-centric curriculum centered on spirituality, welcoming people from all backgrounds and faiths.
Gannon College of Arts and Sciences was founded as Cathedral College in 1925 by then-Archbishop John Mark Gannon. In 1944, it was renamed Gannon College and it received its charter as a four-year men’s college. In 1964, Gannon became co-educational and established a graduate school. Gannon College attained University status in 1979.
Gannon University is located strategically and offers the best research and learning facilities along with world-class faculty. It was founded in the year 1925 and offers 67 Bachelor’s courses, 6 Doctoral programs, 29 Master’s programs, 20 Cooperative Professional School Options, 8 pre-professional programs, 6 associate degrees, and more. With partnerships with alumni, colleagues at university, and employers, the department stays committed to helping students evolve into professionals ready for their future careers.
Founded in 1933, Wilkes University is a private, co-ed, comprehensive institution. The university is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The university's campus encompasses thirty-five acres and includes eight academic buildings, 20 residence halls, nine administrative buildings. The campus bell tower is 61 feet high and the library at the university contains more than 220,000 books. Wilkes is the only university of the size to offer the expansive blend of professional and liberal arts programs. The students will have the chance to browse various majors across six different schools. The colleges offer majors in science, education, engineering, business, and liberal arts for undergraduate and graduate students. With such huge numbers of various programs, students will have a wide scope of options. In addition to bachelor degree programs, Wilkes offers master's degree programs and doctoral/terminal certificate programs including the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of philosophy in nursing, and master of fine arts in creative writing.
Presently the university has around 2,500 undergraduate students from 31 states and 15 countries. There are 155 faculty members in this university and the student to teacher ratio is 12:1. Additionally, on average, the class sizes are freshmen classes, 24 students; upper-level classes, 16 students; graduate classes, 9 students. Lectures and study groups are imperative parts of the college experience, however, the Wilkes faculty needs students to effectively utilize that book learning. Students have worked with Dr. Abas Sabouni on technology that could revolutionize breast cancer diagnosis, and others studied north of the Arctic Circle with Dr. Ned Fetcher researching the impacts of environmental change on plants. The staff of Zebra Communications, the student-run public relations agency, has directed fundraising campaigns for the Salvation Army.
At Wilkes, students will have the chance to work side by side with their professors, picking up research experience at the undergraduate level. As an NCAA Division III school, Wilkes offers students the chance to be a genuine student-athlete. They can choose from 20 or more games. The university supports a balance of academic and athletic excellence, while the Division III season likewise gives students the opportunity to take part in other co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities.
Wilkes has more than 80 clubs and organizations on campus where students can engage in various activities. Most financial aid packages which the university offers combine scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Funding may be offered by the federal government, state government, Wilkes, and other private sources. Some of them are Freshman, Transfer scholarships, Federal Direct loan program, and Loans. More than 96% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
Notable alumni are Ann Bartuska, Jackson Berkey, Marty Blake, Gabriel J. Campana, and many more.
Elizabethtown College is a private college which is established in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. This renowned educational institution named Elizabethtown College was chartered in 1899 by the members of the “Church of the Brethren”. Every member of that Church was interested in situating an organisation to serve various higher education courses for their denomination in eastern Pennsylvania. This is one of the finest colleges which is located in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and it usually offers the best quality education facilities for students. Elizabethtown College associates the most popular professional programs, internships, A few high-impact experiences such as research, Cross-cultural study and so on. Students from different places come to be a part of this famous college to enhance their core knowledge so that they can grab various job opportunities according to their preferences.
York College of Pennsylvania is a private college located in Spring Garden Township, Pennsylvania. This reputed educational institution offers over 70 baccalaureate majors in various professional programs. The founder of York College institute was Samuel Small this college was founded between 1799 to 1885 as a graduate of "York Country Academy" and after some time, they became one of the town's best citizens. The founder of York College has a reliable business partner named Chas. The York College of Pennsylvania is ranked #80 out of 181 'Religion Universities North’. This ranking is given by US News. Schools are ranked on behalf of their performances crosswise a set of globally accepted symbols of excellence". It has ranked #154 in "Top Performers on Social Mobility" and also ranked #155 in "Engineering Program".
Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion which is also known as Pennwest Clarion is a public university campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Clarion became a renowned college on May 28, in the year 1929 and Dr. G.L. Reimer became the president of the famous educational institution named Clarion University. The conception was in the middle of an unparalleled industrial boom. According to US News, the Clarion University of Pennsylvania is ranked 111 out of 181 'Religion Universities North'. Schools are ranked on behalf of their performances crosswise a set of globally accepted symbols of excellence.
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