Top Value Pennsylvania Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Pennsylvania that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Pennsylvania colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Pennsylvania Colleges
Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital - School of Nursing & Allied Health
Based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital is the flagship hospital of Conemaugh Health System, the largest provider of healthcare services in West Central Pennsylvania. The hospital’s School of Nursing & Allied Health officially held its first classes in 1896 for its first nursing programs. Conemaugh School of Nursing & Allied Health provides world-class training necessary to achieve rewarding and stable careers in the field of nursing and allied health. The school boasts its Medical Skills Lab which is one of the 64 human simulation labs accredited by the American College of Surgeons. Other programs offered by the school are in the areas of Emergency Medical Services, Histotechnology, Medical Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Surgical Technology. Students also have the opportunity to undergo clinical internships in the school’s Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center, Level 3 Regional Intensive Care Nursery, as well as in Advanced Primary Stroke Center.
Orleans Technical College
Orleans Technical College is a private career and technical school operated by JEVS Human Services since 1974. The school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where it offers various quality technical programs that can help students meet their personal, career, and employment goals. As a proud member of the Career Education Colleges and Universities, Orleans offers numerous hands-on and practical training programs in the field of building trades which lead to a trades diploma. These include Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Plumbing and Heating, and Residential and Commercial Electricity. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Careers Schools and Colleges who awarded Orleans the recognition as an NC3 Leadership School and a 2018 “School of Distinction”. Students have full access to the school’s services such as job search assistance, financial aid, on-campus and online library and learning resources, and customized job training programs.
New Castle School of Trades
Founded in 1945, New Castle School of Trades (NCST) is one of the premier trade schools serving the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia areas through quality education and hands-on training in the trades industry. The school, headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania, has locations in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, and East Liverpool, Ohio. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, NCST is committed to educating skilled tradesmen and training highly skilled technicians. The New Castle campus offers lucrative trade programs, and these include Automotive Technology, Building Technology, Combination Welding, Commercial Truck Driving, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Repair, Electrical Technology, Heavy Equipment Operations with CDL Training, Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technology, Machinist Technology, Motorcycle & Power Equipment Technology, and Refrigeration & A/C Technology. The school embraces five A’s in their programs and these are Attitude, Academics, Attendance, Appearance, and Accountability. NCST also offers job placement assistance and career services for graduates where they receive professional development advising, assistance with creating their applications, resumes, and cover letters, and a directory of potential employers. Find out more details about the school’s programs and services by visiting their website.
Bidwell Training Center
Established in 1968, Bidwell Training Center is a career training center located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that provides numerous vocational training and employment opportunities to individuals within and outside the state. Today, Bidwell continues to fulfill its mission of narrowing the gap between the unemployed and the demands of the workforce. Through funding from the state, grants, foundations, and individual donors, qualified students enjoy no-cost education in all programs namely Chemical Laboratory Technician, Culinary Arts, Medical Assistant, Horticulture Technology, Medical Coder/Biller, and Pharmacy Technician. The programs offered at Bidwell are made to meet the needs and demands of today’s workforce which ensures that graduates can enter their respective fields with ease and confidence through hands-on career training, program advising, counseling, tutoring, and on-site externships. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Bidwell was recognized as a 2012 School of Excellence by ACCSC. Students have full access to 1815 Metropolitan, Harbor Gardens, and Drew Mathieson Center which houses different facilities and services offered by the school.
Brown University
Brown University is one of the top and leading research universities in the United States known for providing student-centered learning with a deep sense of purpose. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, it was founded in 1764 as the Rhode Island College that offers an innovative learning environment to enhance students’ curiosity, creativity, and intellectual joy. Brown houses 6 undergraduate and graduate colleges and schools namely The College, Graduate School, School of Engineering, School of Professional Studies, School of Public Health, and Warren Alpert Medical School. With more than 80 undergraduate degree programs, the university features an Open Curriculum which allows more than 7,000 undergraduates to create a personalized course of study based on their personal and professional interests and goals. On the other hand, graduate students may choose from 84 master’s and doctoral degree programs in the fields of life and physical sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Qualified students may apply for financial aid accomplished through scholarship grants which is part of the university’s initiative called The Brown Promise to make education affordable for all students. For more details about the programs and services of the university, go to brown.edu.
University of Pennsylvania
Established in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin as America’s first university, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a private Ivy League institution based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university serves more than 25,000 local and international students in an inclusive learning environment that was built on the concept of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The university houses 12 undergraduate and graduate schools that offer interdisciplinary on-campus and online degree programs that are grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. The schools include the School of Arts & Sciences, The Wharton School, Annenberg School for Communication, School of Dental Medicine, Stuart Weitzman School of Design, and School of Engineering and Applied Science. The university also hosts a Penn Global which is a global initiative comprising seven divisions responsible for building connections across global communities, housing international students, and supporting students’ academic, research, and professional pursuits abroad. Within the state, Penn is also immersed in several community service initiatives like incorporating community service into the curriculum and supporting the School District of Philadelphia financially. Visit upenn.edu to check the university’s entire list of programs and initiatives.
Swarthmore College
Founded in 1864 by the Religious Society of Friends to provide an education equal to the top institutions in the United States, Swarthmore College is a private academic institution located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. It offers an education ground in the liberal arts to develop passionate students and professionals for the betterment of communities worldwide. Swarthmore is a member of the Tri-College Consortium with Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges which allows over 1,600 students to choose from more than 40 undergraduate programs that feature an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum connecting the arts and humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences. With more than 600 courses and research opportunities available, students also have the freedom to design their majors. The college also has a unique partnership with the University of Pennsylvania as students may cross-register between the two academic institutions. Throughout the students’ stay, the college provides a range of student services such as academic advising and support, counseling and psychological services, international student center, and housing.
Carnegie Mellon University
With more than 14,500 students on its campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private global research university established in 1900 as the Carnegie Technical Schools. The university has several global campuses and programs in Qatar, Africa, Asia, and Australia. CMU offers top-ranked undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 7 schools and colleges namely Tepper School of Business, School of Computer Science, Mellon College of Science, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Fine Arts, and College of Engineering. In addition, the university offers interdisciplinary programs that allow students to work with other students and scholars beyond their schools and colleges. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni at CMU also have earned personal and professional recognition in various fields and these awards include Nobel Prizes, Stockholm Prize in Criminology, and Turing Award. The university’s Office of International Education supports students who wish to pursue study abroad experiences through available programs and universities, funding, and resources abroad. Read more about the opportunities and services offered by the university at their primary web portal.
Pennsylvania Gunsmith School
Based in Avalon, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School® (PGS) is a private post-secondary educational institution that was established in 1949 to provide a superior education in gunsmithing and related fields. PGS fosters confidence, appreciation, awareness, and a sense of accomplishment in its students as they complete their programs. The Master Gunsmithing Program® at PGS is an intensive, 16-month program and training that starts with the basics of gun repair as it progresses to more detailed instruction on the types of firearms as well as custom work. The program aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of gunsmithing, and machine and wood-working trades through the focused knowledge and training necessary to work in the field. The training involves basic heat treating, bluing and finishing, custom stock making, rebarreling, machine work, and business and customer relations. The program curriculum does not include courses on general education or liberal arts and it just focuses on gunsmithing.
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc.
Founded in 1939 as the Pittsburgh School of Embalming, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) is a private school that provides extensive programs for students entering the field of mortuary arts and sciences The school, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, embraces diversity, kindness, and integrity to create a robust and ethical learning environment for its students. Accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, PIMS offers on-campus and online diploma and associate-level programs in the field of funeral directing and embalming. Students are required to finish requirements such as practical training in a funeral home, clinical embalming experience, restorative art laboratory, and cremation and celebrant certifications. PIMS partnered with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office to provide students with greater exposure to applied experiences. To provide flexibility to students, the school has been offering online programs since 2001 through its online platform called PIMS OnLine. PIMS is also a member of the Cremation Association of North America, Inc., International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, and National Association of College Admission Counselors, among others.
Haverford College
Haverford College is a private liberal arts undergraduate college that serves nearly 1,400 students on its campus in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1833 with 21 students from New Jersey and Ohio, the college only admits undergraduates, 98% of which live on campus. As a small college, Haverford formed partnerships with the Bryn Mawr College, the Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania to allow students to have access to academic resources and opportunities found at a larger academic institution. The college houses 30 academic departments that specialize in the social sciences, natural sciences, computer science, and engineering. Among the popular majors are Political Science, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Computer Science. Haverford also manages several academic centers such as the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship, Hurford Center for the Arts and Humanities, and Koshland Integrated Natural Sciences Center that help students prosper beyond the classroom by providing advising, funding, and support for students who want to create their own program of study. Learn more about the college’s programs and initiatives via their primary web portal.
Villanova University
Villanova University is the only Augustinian Catholic research university in the United States situated in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Established in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine, the university embraces personalized experience through the help of its acclaimed faculty members to provide the best learning and scholarly experience to more than 11,000 students. The university offers more than 100 on-campus and online certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs across its 6 colleges and schools namely the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, Villanova School of Business, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Charles Widger School of Law, and College of Professional Studies. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Villanova ranked as one of the best national universities in the country. In 2019, students in the university were awarded 44 prestigious academic scholarships and fellowships such as Fulbright scholarships. The university continues to integrate environmental sustainability into its programs, research, and institutional policies as one of the signatories to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, Villanova. Go to the school’s site to see the entire list of programs and services offered by the university.
Lehigh University
Lehigh University is among the most distinguished private research universities in the United States that has been providing diverse academic programs and collaborative opportunities since 1865. The university, located in Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, fulfills its mission of transforming students to become the leaders of the future. More than 7,000 students in the university can choose from hundreds of undergraduate degree programs across 5 colleges namely College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Education, and the newest addition, College of Health. In addition, these five colleges also offer over 80 professional master’s degree and certificate programs and research-based doctoral programs that feature a remarkable breadth and depth of expertise, plenty of resources, and global partnerships with other professionals. Students interested in studying abroad can take advantage of more than 250 international academic opportunities in 74 countries as well as fully funded Iacocca International Internships. The university’s Office of Academic Life and Student Transitions provides various academic and student services on campus such as peer tutoring, workshops, study skills assistance, and support in transitioning to college life. Inquire about the programs and services the university offers at the school’s website.
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
As the first private academy for career training in Erie founded in 1965, Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a medical career and training school located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The school aims to help students reach their personal and professional goals by offering a student-centered learning environment and high-quality education and training standards. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Great Lakes offers 12 programs in the fields of allied health and cosmetology. These include Dental Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound), Massage Therapist, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing Specialist, Practical Nursing, Cosmetology Operator, Esthetician, and Nail Technician, among others. The school also offers various student services such as Student Advising, Learning Resource Center, and My Student Portal that can assist students in working out solutions for their academic and career problems. Great Lakes also provides job placement assistance to graduates through the employment specialists in the Career Services Department as well as program directors of specific departments. Go to the school’s primary web portal to view the entire list of programs offered by the school.
Bucknell University
Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college established in 1846 that provides integrated liberal arts and professional programs to students around the world. The university, with more than 54,000 alumni, allows students from all walks of life to immerse in an intimate and free academic environment to live, learn and grow. With nearly 3,800 students, the university offers 65 majors and 70 minors which can be combined to meet the personal and professional goals of each student. The programs are housed through 3 nationally recognized colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, and Freeman College of Management. Since the university values the idea of writing, students may take advantage of the Writing Across the Curriculum Program where they can practice writing in different contexts with guidance from professors who are also accomplished writers in their respective fields. Students who want to gain more perspective outside the university can join and participate in various activities and programs through the university's Academic Centers and Institutes, BizPitch, and Projects for Peace, as well as apply for global & off-campus education programs and internship opportunities.
Lafayette College
Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college located in Easton, Pennsylvania. Chartered in 1826 by the governor of the state, the college also operates a small satellite campus in New York City. The college aims to build a free and welcoming learning environment that fosters the intellectual, social, personal, and professional growth of its students. Across four academic divisions namely social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering, the college offers 51 programs of study that feature an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives students the breadth and depth of the topics in their chosen fields. Students may also develop their own major with the approval of their professors and some of the self-designed majors include Behavioral Economics, Classical Civilization, Collective Community Development and Social Policy, Environmental Issues and Policy, and Nanoscience. The college is also accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools allowing them to serve more than 2,500. The college and its students and faculty are active in community engagement within and outside the state through programs like Community-Based Learning, Economic Empowerment, and Alternative School Break, as well as centers like Landis Center and Technology Clinic.
Franklin & Marshall College
Franklin & Marshall College is a private liberal arts college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the country that was founded in 1787 as Franklin College by Benjamin Franklin. The college embraces personalized education as new standards of academic excellence for their students to explore their ambitions. Offering more than 60 programs of study that lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree, Franklin & Marshall serves more than 2,400 full-time students through its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Some of the programs are Anthropology, Arabic Language, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Geosciences, Linguistics, Public Health, and Science, Technology, and Society. Students may choose from more than 140 active student clubs and organizations, participate in fitness classes, join in club and intramural sports teams, and access its own art museum. There are also multiple volunteer opportunities where over three-quarters of students in the college participate which adds up to 70,000 hours of effort in partnership with local nonprofit organizations.
Baptist Bible College
Baptist Bible College (BBC) is a private Christian college based in Springfield, Missouri known for providing on-campus and online seminary degree and professional studies programs. The college has produced over 12,000 Christian professionals and ministers since 1950 who are now creating an impact through lasting dedication and public service. With more than 19 degree programs that can be taken on-campus and online, the college features a Christ-centered curriculum that allows its students to gain a biblical worldview and make an impact on the global society. The programs include Business Administration, Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Church Ministry, Elementary Education, Pastoral Studies, and Organizational Leadership that lead to associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Students may take full advantage of the G.B. Vick Memorial Library and Academic Resource Center for academic resources, services, and physical learning environments that are designed to facilitate learning outside of the classroom. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education, BBC is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College is a women's liberal arts college based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1885 by the members of the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers to provide a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in the undergraduate level and exceptional graduate programs in the fields of arts, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. As part of the Tri-College Consortium with Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, Bryn Mawr offers dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and combined degree programs to more than 2,000 students within the college and thousands within the consortium. The college also has a cooperative relationship with the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) which allows students to take a maximum of two undergraduate courses per semester in Penn’s wide array of liberal arts departments. Aside from these, Bryn Mawr has partnered with some universities such as the University of Rochester, Caltech, and Columbia University to offer combined degrees in various fields. The college also offers study abroad opportunities in over 30 countries through more than 70 partnering programs and overseas institutions, as well as assistance with program options, logistical planning of going abroad, and navigating the application and enrollment processes. For more details about the college and its offerings, visit the school’s website.
Dickinson College
Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania that is considered the first college to be founded in the newly recognized United States. It was established in 1773 as the Carlisle Grammar School and after a decade was chartered shortly after the signing of the Treaty of Paris. As a member of the Central Pennsylvania Consortium with Franklin & Marshall and Gettysburg Colleges, Dickinson offers more than 80 interdisciplinary programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences to encourage more than 2,300 full-time students to make meaningful connections with other scholars and apply their learnings in the wider world. The college is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, and the American Chemical Society. Students also have access to a wide range of academic opportunities that helps them discover the things they are most passionate about and these include partnerships with numerous centers and organizations within and beyond the campus like The Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues, Humanities Collective, Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, and The Trout Gallery. In addition, students interested to spend a semester or a year studying abroad can take advantage of the 18 global programs led by Dickinson and more than 30 partner programs with academic institutions worldwide. Check the school’s website to access the complete list of academic opportunities offered by the college.
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus
Serving more than 33,000 students, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a public doctorate-granting research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is considered the top public university in the Northeast which has been offering various academic programs since 1787 during its founding as Pittsburgh Academy. The university has four regional campuses namely Bradford, Johnstown, Greensburg, and Titusville. Pitt offers hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 16 schools and colleges specializing in arts & sciences, business, computing & information, dental medicine, education, engineering, general studies, health & rehabilitation, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public & international affairs, public health, and social work. The university is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities which consists of 63 preeminent doctorate-granting research universities within North America. Pitt also houses several university centers such as University Center for International Studies, Learning Research and Development Center, Center for Philosophy of Science, and University Center for Social and Urban Research, and field-specific institutes such as Basic Metals Processing Research Institute, Institute for International Studies in Education, Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, and Petersen Institute of NanoScience and Engineering. Students interested in volunteer work and community programs may contact the university’s Community Engagement Center which hosts more than 41 ongoing programs and helped 37,400 young people and 4,000 families over the last years. See more information about the university’s initiatives at the school’s website.
Aveda Institute Des Moines
Aveda Institute Des Moines is a beauty school in West Des Moines, Iowa that is recognized as the state’s award-winning and eco-friendly Cosmetology and Spa Institution. The school embraces teamwork, excellent service, respect, and trust in guiding students in their personal and professional development as future members of the beauty industry. Aveda is a worldwide network of roughly 8,000 spas, salons, stores, and institutes dedicated to equipping students with high-quality education led by award-winning instructors to provide opportunities in the field of beauty & wellness. The school offers three programs namely the 2100-hour Cosmetology, 600-hour Esthiology, and 750-hour Massage Therapy which can be finished within 20 to 57 weeks. The 22,000 square-foot campus has several amenities and services available to students and guests such as a guest service area, resource center, and experience center. The school also offers financial assistance to qualified students in the form of Pell Grant, Subsidized Direct Loan, Unsubsidized Direct Loan, and Parent Plus Direct Loans. For more details about the school’s programs and services, visit the school’s website or schedule an online visit.
Gettysburg College
Established in 1832, Gettysburg College is a private, residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that serves 2,600 students within and beyond the state. It was classified in 2018 as Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts and Sciences Focus by the Carnegie Commission. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Gettysburg serves more than 2,600 students engaged in over 65 academic programs in the fields of business, education, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college embraces interdisciplinary learning, advanced scholarship, and global leadership which perfectly describes these five programs unique to the college: Civil War Institute, Eisenhower Institute, Garthwait Leadership Center, Center for Public Service, and Sunderman Conservatory of Music. Students may also join, and lead over 120 academic, cultural, arts & music, political, media, religious, service, sports, and social organizations. Over the years, the college has produced distinguished graduates in different fields which include a Nobel Prize-winning cancer researcher, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer, a former Texas Congressman and Presidential Candidate, a former UNICEF Executive Director, and a Newbery Medalist Maniac Magee author.
Additional College Research
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