Top Universities in Pennsylvania 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide

Thinking of studying in the U.S.? You can’t go wrong with Pennsylvania! From Ivy League prestige to tech-driven innovation, this state is packed with some of the best universities in the country.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top universities in Pennsylvania for 2025—with everything from rankings and tuition fees to student life and career prospects. So if you’re searching for a place that mixes top academics with real-world opportunities, keep reading—your dream university might just be here!

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

The University of Pennsylvania, or UPenn, is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the U.S. Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, it’s part of the Ivy League and sits right in the heart of Philadelphia. UPenn is especially famous for the Wharton School of Business, the School of Engineering, the School of Nursing, and the Perelman School of Medicine. Students can choose from 90+ undergraduate majors and 200+ graduate programs, giving plenty of flexibility to explore interests across subjects. 

With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy small class sizes and lots of personal support. The university spends over $1.1 billion a year on research, making it one of the top five research universities in the U.S. The 299-acre campus is full of life—home to 450+ student clubs, Division I sports, cultural festivals, tech events, and more. About 13% of undergraduates come from outside the U.S., and UPenn offers great support for international, first-generation, and low-income students. Following are the key details of University of Pennsylvania: 

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Penn State is one of the largest and most popular public universities in the United States. Founded in 1855, it has grown into a big university system with 24 campuses across Pennsylvania. Its main campus—called University Park—is located right in the center of the state. There are over 88,000 students across all campuses, with more than 46,000 students at the University Park campus alone. Penn State offers 275+ undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate programs, so students can study just about anything they’re interested in. 

The university is especially well-known for its Engineering, Business, Communications, and Agricultural Sciences programs. Outside of class, life at Penn State is full of energy. There are 1,000+ clubs and student groups, Big Ten sports, and famous events like THON, the world’s largest student-run charity fundraiser. Students from over 130 countries choose Penn State, making it a friendly and diverse place to study. Following are the key details: 

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh, or simply Pitt, is a top public university located in the lively city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded way back in 1787, making it one of the oldest universities in the U.S. Pitt is well known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, philosophy, law, and the liberal arts. Pitt is an R1 research university, which means it’s one of the best in the country for research. The university spends over $1 billion a year on research and ranks in the top 5 for NIH funding. 

With around 28,000 students, Pitt is big enough to have tons of opportunities, but still small enough to offer personal attention—thanks to its 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can join over 400 clubs, take part in arts and cultural events, or enjoy sports and volunteer activities on campus. Pitt welcomes students from 100+ countries and offers great support, including scholarships for international students, study abroad programs, and career guidance. Following are the key details of University of Pittsburgh: 

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University, or CMU, is a top private university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie and is known around the world for its amazing programs in computer science, robotics, engineering, data science, and the arts. CMU is one of the top research universities in the U.S., spending over $400 million a year on research. Its School of Computer Science is often ranked in the top 3 globally, and its College of Engineering is known for innovation and hands-on learning.  

Students also love the Tepper School of Business and the College of Fine Arts, which combine creativity with real-world skills. CMU has around 14,500 students, with people coming from over 100 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, so you’ll get plenty of personal support from your professors. Many students get internships or job offers from big companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs even before they graduate. Following are the key details of Carnegie Mellon University: 

Drexel University

Drexel University is a well-known private university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1891 and is especially famous for its co-op program, where students can gain up to 18 months of paid work experience while earning their degree. Drexel offers 80+ undergraduate majors and 120+ graduate programs in fields like engineering, business, health, computing, arts, media, and design.  

Some of its most popular colleges include the College of Engineering, LeBow College of Business, College of Computing & Informatics, and the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.  In fact, 94% of Drexel undergrads do a co-op, and many get job offers before they even graduate. Drexel has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, so classes are small, and students get personalized help. Following are the key details of Drexel University: 

Lehigh University 

Lehigh University is a respected private university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the beautiful Lehigh Valley. Founded in 1865, Lehigh is known for combining strong academics with real-world learning. It’s especially popular for its programs in engineering, business, arts & sciences, and education. Lehigh has around 7,700 students, with about 5,900 undergrads and 1,700 graduate students. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from professors, and most classes have about 28 students—so it’s easy to ask questions and get involved.  

The university has a huge 2,355-acre campus that’s both scenic and full of opportunity. There are over 200 student-run clubs, Division I sports, and a strong Greek life community. Plus, 91% of students take part in internships, co-ops, or research before they graduate, helping them build experience and skills for their future careers. With high graduation and retention rates and an average starting salary of around $74,000, Lehigh is a great choice for students who want a high-quality, career-focused education. Following are the key details of Lehigh University: 

Conclusion

Pennsylvania is more than just a study destination—it’s where academic dreams meet real-world impact. Whether you’re aiming for top research university like UPenn or CMU, or looking for a vibrant public campus experience at Penn State or Pitt, this state offers incredible value, world-class teaching, and career-launching opportunities.

And if you’re an international student, don’t worry—you’ll find a welcoming, diverse environment with top-notch support. Ready to take the next step? Don’t forget to explore student accommodation options with University Living—your trusted partner for verified, secure, and student-friendly housing near the top universities in Pennsylvania. Book early to grab the best deals and live stress-free during your studies!

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