Colleges in Pennsylvania
Why go to College in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a place steeped in American heritage. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or nature enthusiast, the state is an ideal setting to attend college. The home of Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania offers a mix of historical and modern attractions that give students several opportunities for personal and academic enrichment. And if you're not the city type, not to worry: Amish country and Gettysburg provide unforgettable experiences, and nature explorers can visit the Alleghenies, the Poconos, or the Susquehanna River. This article provides an overview of the state of Pennsylvania's numerous educational opportunities, along with facts that will aid your college decision-making process.
What Options are Available for Colleges in Pennsylvania?
On-Campus
Many students opt to live on-campus while pursuing their college degrees in Pennsylvania. This provides a variety of advantages, including peer studying opportunities, in-person meetings and discussions, and easy access to professors and campus resources. Students also benefit from being active in a larger campus community by interacting with peers in classrooms, dormitories, cafeterias, and other campus venues. In addition, campus life is ideal for students seeking to participate in extracurricular activities including student government, clubs, and sports teams. Living on campus enhances the overall learning experience while helping to create and solidify lifelong friendships.
Online Programs
Online colleges in Pennsylvania give students the flexibility to pursue college degrees at their own pace and convenience. Many classes are asynchronous, so students can access their content and coursework when their schedules permit. Other programs have synchronous classes that require students to log in simultaneously at a scheduled time, which facilitates peer and instructor interaction. Coursework, projects, and exams for online courses can also be completed and submitted remotely.
Online schools in Pennsylvania are an ideal solution for students who are working full-time, raising children, or serving in the military. By eliminating the need for on-campus courses, these programs also make degree attainment possible for those who are hindered by geography. Moreover, online programs tend to be a more affordable option than traditional on-campus degree programs. Tuition can be lower, and room and board costs are unnecessary.
Hybrid Programs
Students attending online colleges in Pennsylvania may choose to take courses in a hybrid format. This type of program combines online and in-person classes, which is ideal for majors (particularly the laboratory sciences) that require a mix of traditional coursework and hands-on, experiential learning. While this requires participants to live reasonably close to campus, it also assists with bridging the gap between traditional, on-campus programs and online ones. Students are able to build relationships with each other and their instructors as a result of shared learning experiences.
Popular Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
It should be no surprise that neuroscience is the most popular degree program in Pennsylvania, as health services (along with education) is the state's leading industry. In addition, one of the largest employers in the state is the University of Pennsylvania Health System, so many graduates remain in the region to pursue careers in health care. Business management and administration is another popular major for Pennsylvania students. Given that the state's third largest industry is professional and business services, students in these programs have access to a wealth of job opportunities following graduation.
Neuroscience This major is a multidisciplinary study of the brain and the body's nervous system. Drawing from cellular studies and computer imaging techniques, neuroscientists examine the relation between brain circuitry, human behavior, and medical disorders. There are a number of industries in Pennsylvania that require neuroscientists, including pharmacology, research, and counseling.
Business Management and Administration Students interested in careers in business management select this major to master the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and marketing. Courses also develop skills in interpersonal communication, critical thinking, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Graduates with this major would excel in major business hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
What Are the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania?
The following is a detailed list of the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. It provides the information you need to determine the program and school that best meets your requirements and interests. Read on to discover the unique differences between each institution. You'll learn about the history, culture, specialities, graduation rates, and costs associated with each one. This collection of data will simplify your research, and will help you gain the knowledge necessary to make one of the most important decisions for your future.
Top 25 Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
Admissions Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
90%
Online Enrollment
14%
Retention Rate
96%
Default Rate
2%
Villanova, located 30 minutes outside Philadelphia in a suburb by the same name, holds a reputation as one of the notable online schools in Pennsylvania . The school offers an online RN to BSN program that allows RNs to earn more, and take on leadership roles after graduation. All courses are taught online, and the clinical portions completed at the student's workplace or a nearby health facility. Respected nursing educators teach topics including public health, ethics, research, and leadership skills. Nursing students can qualify for discounted tuition if they come in with transfer credits. The College of Professional Studies, offers three undergraduate degrees: leadership studies, general studies, and public service and administration. These online programs suit working professionals who have earned some college credits.
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What Are the Best Online Community Colleges in Pennsylvania?
As you research online schools in Pennsylvania, you may have already discovered that community colleges offer programs in your desired major. Community colleges provide two-year programs that award associate degrees and lay the foundation for bachelor's degree completion programs. Certificate programs are also commonly available at community colleges. Community college majors typically provide workforce training, so students can jumpstart their careers upon graduation. This is different than a university education, which requires more years of education before degrees are awarded, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The following list gathers the important details about Pennsylvania's online community colleges. This will provide the critical information you need to determine which programs and online schools in PA are right for you.
Top 10 Online Community Colleges in Pennsylvania for 2019
Graduation Rate
46%
Online Enrollment
5%
Retention Rate
75%
Default Rate
11%
Based in Williamsport, Penn College is one of the only online community colleges in Pennsylvania affiliated with Penn State. The school offers a wide selection of professionally-focused online degrees in fields such as applied health studies, automotive technology management, dental hygiene, emergency management technology, and health information management. All programs use a fully online format that requires zero campus visits, and Penn College offers the same in-state tuition rate to all students, regardless of location. The school delivers all courses asynchronously through the P.L.A.T.O. (Platform for Learning and Teaching Online) system, giving students the freedom to log in and complete assignments when it suits their schedule. Online learners receive significant academic support, including one-on-one attention from faculty, textbook services, academic advising, and online tutoring services.
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Education Trends in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania spends significantly less on each of its full-time college students than the average U.S. state. It also dedicates 2.9% of its tax revenue toward higher education, which is half as much as the national average. While this might indicate that Pennsylvania places a lower priority on education, it is difficult to isolate the variables that influence the quality and accessibility of education in each state. Despite lower funding, educational attainment of Pennsylvania residents is comparable to other states, with 17.4% of adults possessing a bachelor's degree.
| Pennsylvania | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Spending per Full-Time Student | $3,758 | $6,954 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 2.9% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with associate degree | 7.9% | 8.1% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with bachelor's degree | 17.4% | 18.5% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with graduate degree or higher | 11.2% | 11.2% |
| Source: SHEEO and U.S. Census | ||
Paying for College in Pennsylvania
When researching traditional and online schools in Pennsylvania, itemize the costs for each program as thoroughly as possible. In addition to tuition and books, find out if there are any program or administrative fees. If you plan to live on-campus or nearby, factor in your room and board along with any transportation costs. While you might score some scholarships and grants to help pay for school, you should first identify the total costs for each college on your list before making a decision.
Tuition Prices
Attending a public two-year college in Pennsylvania is somewhat less affordable than in other U.S. states. The same is true for public four-year colleges, with tuition and fees costing over $4,000 more than the average U.S. school. There are many hidden costs when attending college, so remember to identify all of them — including books, facility, and laboratory costs — along with living expenses when researching tuition prices.
Financial Aid
Regardless of where you plan to attend college, you should research and apply for financial aid. As a first step, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to know if you qualify for federal financial aid, which includes loans, grants, and work-study awards. Many states, colleges, and private institutions also require you to fill out the FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for need-based financial aid. Since they don't need to be repaid, grants and scholarships should be given the highest priority. If you need to accept loans, be sure to prioritize low-interest and subsidized federal loans before you resort to private lenders, who tend to charge higher interest rates.
Cost for Online Programs in Pennsylvania
If you decide to attend one of the many online colleges in PA, the same financial aid options explained above apply to you. You should still complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid, whether from the federal government, states, universities, or private institutions. As an online student, you'll generally find that your total costs are comparable to, or lower than, most on-campus programs. You will also save money on some fees, and there will be no costs associated with transportation or expensive on-campus housing.
Cost of Living by Region
The cost of college varies greatly depending on where a school is located. When considering your options, be sure to research the cost of living in cities where you're considering going to school. If you're planning to live in an apartment off-campus, check the median rents for your area. These expenses add a significant amount to your total college costs. Understanding living expenses will also help you decide where to pursue a career after you graduate. The table below shows housing costs in Pennsylvania's major cities and nearby alternatives.
Scholarships for Pennsylvania College Students
Can All Scholarships Be Used for Online Programs?
Scholarship awards can be applied to either online or traditional, on-campus degree programs. If you pursue a degree through online colleges in PA, any scholarships you receive are applicable. However, as with every scholarship application, remember to review all requirements. There may be additional ones for online degree programs, depending on the organization providing the funding.
Employment Outlook in Pennsylvania
If you plan to pursue a career in-state after attending college or an online school in Pennsylvania, it's important to research the employment landscape. Currently, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average, but it's annual mean wage is close to the average. There are many job opportunities in the educational and health care sectors, which share the top two spots for Pennsylvania's leading industries. With hundreds of colleges and universities, including some of the best ranked medical programs in the country, it's clear why this is the case. Pennsylvania also has many municipal and federal government jobs available, along with business and professional services. The following information offers additional statistics about the state's job outlook.
| Pennsylvania | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate, May 2017 | 5.0 | 4.3% |
| Annual Mean Wage, May 2016 | $47,540 | $49,630 |
| Source: BLS and BLS | ||
Top Employers and Industries in Pennsylvania
Top Industries in Pennsylvania
Educational and Health Services: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers this a "supersector" because of the size and scope of these service industries. This includes all teaching, instruction, and support services, along with all medical, social assistance, and hospital jobs.
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This includes jobs in merchandise wholesaling, warehousing, transportation services, and utility services (such as gas, electric, and sewer).
Professional and Business Services: This other BLS-described supersector is service-providing and encompasses all professional, technical, business, management, and administrative jobs and careers. Examples include legal, accounting, IT, scientific research, and advertising positions.
Top Employers in Pennsylvania
Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.: 48,000 +/- employees
Trustees of the University of PA: 39,126 (includes UPenn Health System) employees
City of Philadelphia: 25,000+
Source: PA.gov , Newsmax , Upenn.edu , Phila.gov
Accreditation for Colleges in Pennsylvania
When researching your options for online colleges in PA, remember to check for a school's accreditation. Accreditation is a rigorous process schools undergo to ensure they meet certain educational standards. Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and coveted form of accreditation. There are six regional accrediting organizations that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that includes Pennsylvania. College accreditation may be required in the workforce for your specific career path, and may also be necessary for certain student loans and scholarships.
Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized and coveted form of accreditation..
Online programs will be accredited by organizations approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which oversees the national and regional accreditation process. National accreditation is also valuable, and is typically awarded to colleges that have workforce-training programs. However, some for-profit online colleges are nationally accredited because they could not be approved by regional accreditation bodies. You can obtain a better understanding about online schools in PA by checking which national accreditation bodies have approved them, and by reviewing any past accreditations.
Resources for Students in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency : This agency offers student financial aid planning and services, including loan guarantees and servicing. It also provides college planning education and various tools and services, including a loan repayment calculator.
Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center : This organization provides information, resources, and instructions for planning and executing a successful college transfer within these Pennsylvania community colleges, colleges, and universities .
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education : This state administrative body oversees 14 state universities, which includes 105,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff members. Its website also provides a number of resources, including a fact center with 10 education-related modules.
Pennsylvania Department of Education : This department approves the budgets of the entire state system and community colleges. It also provides specialty funding to state colleges and universities, such as the "Governor's It's On Us PA Grant Program."
Education Week : Pennsylvania: This online resource provides all the latest news on education from around the state, including developments in the state's capital relating to education bills and funding.