Top Universities in Pennsylvania 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
Table of Contents
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1740 |
| Type | Private Ivy League Research University |
| Campus Size | 299 acres (urban) |
| Total Enrollment | ~22,400 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~10,400 |
| Graduate Students | ~12,000 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Popular Schools | Wharton, Engineering, Nursing, Arts & Sciences |
| Top Programs | Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Law, Medicine |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$68,000 |
| Average Financial Aid | $56,000+ |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1460–1570 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 33–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~6% (very competitive) |
| International Students | ~13% of undergrads |
| Research Spending | $1.1+ billion annually |
| Famous Alumni | Elon Musk, John Legend, Noam Chomsky, Warren Buffett (Wharton classes) |
| Website | www.upenn.edu |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Campus System | 24 campuses across Pennsylvania |
| Main Campus Size | 7,958 acres (University Park) |
| Total Enrollment | 88,000+ students (all campuses) |
| Undergraduate Students | ~40,600 at University Park |
| Graduate Students | ~6,000 at University Park |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
| Popular Colleges | Engineering, Business, Information Sciences, Agriculture, Communications |
| Annual Tuition (In-State) | ~$19,700 |
| Annual Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$38,600 |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 27–32 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~54% |
| International Students | From 130+ countries (~10% of student body) |
| Research Funding | ~$1.2 billion annually |
| Career Outcomes | 93% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Alumni Network | 750,000+ members worldwide |
| Student Life | 1,000+ clubs, 70+ fraternities/sororities, sports, concerts, festivals |
| Website | www.psu.edu |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1787 |
| Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| Campus Size | ~132 acres (in the Oakland neighborhood) |
| Total Enrollment | ~28,200 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~19,100 |
| Graduate Students | ~9,100 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Popular Majors | Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Political Science, Philosophy |
| In-State Tuition | ~$21,500 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | ~$36,000 |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1250–1420 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 28–33 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~50% |
| International Students | From 100+ countries (~8–10% of total students) |
| Research Funding | ~$1.08 billion annually |
| Career Outcomes Rate | 94% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Alumni Network | 330,000+ alumni in over 150 countries |
| Campus Life | 400+ clubs, arts events, NCAA Division I sports, volunteering |
| Study Abroad Options | 350+ programs in 75+ countries |
| Website | www.pitt.edu |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Type | Private Research University (R1) |
| Campus Size | 157 acres (urban campus) |
| Total Enrollment | ~14,500 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~7,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~7,500 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Top Schools | Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Fine Arts |
| Popular Majors | Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics, Business, Architecture, Drama |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$67,000 |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1460–1560 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 33–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~11% (very competitive) |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$96,000 (over $120K for Computer Science grads) |
| International Students | ~20% of students (~2,900 from 100+ countries) |
| Research Funding | $400+ million yearly |
| Career Success Rate | 93% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Campus Life | 300+ clubs, theater, radio, robotics teams, music groups |
| Study Abroad Options | 50+ countries, summer internships, exchange programs |
| Alumni Network | 110,000+ alumni in 140+ countries |
| Top Employers | Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey |
| Website | www.cmu.edu |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Type | Private Research University (R1) |
| Campus Size | ~96 acres (urban campus in University City) |
| Total Enrollment | ~24,000 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~15,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~9,000 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business, Health, Computing, Design, Architecture |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$62,000 |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1230–1430 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 27–32 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~79% (moderately selective) |
| Employment Rate | 94% within 1 year of graduation |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$64,000 (higher for STEM fields) |
| International Students | From 100+ countries (~10% of student body) |
| Campus Life | 300+ student clubs, arts events, community service |
| Study Abroad | 60+ countries, global internships, exchange programs |
| Website | www.drexel.edu |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Type | Private Research University (Carnegie R2) |
| Campus Size | 2,355 acres (scenic hillside campus) |
| Total Enrollment | ~7,681 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~5,911 |
| Graduate Students | ~1,770 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Average Class Size | 28 students |
| Popular Colleges | Business, Engineering, Arts & Sciences |
| Popular Majors | Finance, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Marketing |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | $66,810 |
| SAT Range (Mid 50%) | 1420–1520 |
| ACT Range (Mid 50%) | 32–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~26% (selective) |
| Graduation Rate | 91% (within 6 years) |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$74,000 |
| Internship Participation | 91% of students complete hands-on learning |
| Student Organizations | 200+ clubs |
| International Students | From 28+ countries (~10% of student body) |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I – Patriot League |
| Famous Alumni | Lee Iacocca (Former Chrysler CEO), Martin Baron (former editor, Washington Post) |
| Website | www.lehigh.edu |
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Pennsylvania for 2025?
Some of the best universities in Pennsylvania include the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, and Lehigh University. These universities are known for their strong academics, high rankings, and excellent research opportunities.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to study for international students?
Yes, Pennsylvania is a popular destination for international students. The state offers diverse universities with strong global reputations, affordable living in many areas, and plenty of cultural, internship, and career opportunities—especially in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
What are the tuition fees for universities in Pennsylvania in 2025?
Tuition fees for universities in Pennsylvania vary by university and residency status. Here’s a quick range:
UPenn: ~ $68,000/year
Carnegie Mellon: ~ $67,000/year
Penn State: $19,700 (in-state), $38,600 (out-of-state)
University of Pittsburgh: ~$21,500 (in-state), ~$36,000 (out-of-state)
Drexel University: ~$62,000/year
Lehigh University: ~$66,810/year
How hard is it to get into Pennsylvania’s top universities?
Acceptance rates at Pennsylvania’s top universities vary:
UPenn: ~6% (very competitive)
Carnegie Mellon: ~11%
Lehigh University: ~26%
Drexel University: ~79%
Penn State: ~54%
University of Pittsburgh: ~50%
Top private universities tend to be more selective, while public universities are generally more accessible.
What are the average SAT/ACT scores for admission in 2025?
Here are average mid-50% score ranges:
UPenn: SAT 1460–1570 | ACT 33–35
CMU: SAT 1460–1560 | ACT 33–35
Penn State: SAT 1220–1400 | ACT 27–32
Pitt: SAT 1250–1420 | ACT 28–33
Drexel: SAT 1230–1430 | ACT 27–32
Lehigh: SAT 1420–1520 | ACT 32–35
Other Articles
Top Student Accommodations in Chester
