Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2025
With 178 degree-granting institutions and thriving economic diversity, Pennsylvania has plenty to offer online learners and recent graduates. Many of the state’s leading industries depend on workers with college degrees. Key examples include exciting, fast-growing fields like life sciences, medical technology, logistics, and robotics and artificial intelligence.
These factors combine to make the Keystone State rich with opportunity. Explore Pennsylvania’s online colleges and the state’s profile as a place from which to launch your career.
Pennsylvania at a Glance
- Higher education is required for 60% of Pennsylvania jobs.
- In Pennsylvania, 35.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The average annual salary in Pennsylvania is $61,920.
- There are more than 170 nonprofit degree-granting institutions in the state.
- In fall 2023, 40.7% of Pennsylvania college students took at least some of their courses online.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, a public online university, offers over 40 online bachelor's and more than 50 online master's degrees. Popular online degrees include homeland security, systems engineering, and psychology. The average net price is just over $20,000, and the school reports a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Highlights
- Offers services like orientation, advising, career help, research library, and tech support
- Focuses on adult learners
- Assists students with various conditions and challenges through the disability services office
Know Before You Apply
- The school has an overall low graduation rate of 34%.
- About two-thirds of undergraduate students receive grant or scholarship aid.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Engineering Commission of ABET
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania Western University
- California, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Pennsylvania Western University is a public university offering 40 online bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, education, and nursing. Ninety-five percent of undergraduate students receive grant or scholarship aid, while the average net price is just under $20,000.
Highlights
- Offers enrollment support, success coaches, and help desk support for online students
- Includes a week-long orientation to acclimate to online learning
- Has an office for students with disabilities offering accommodations for accessibility
Know Before You Apply
- Most online classes are asynchronous with weekly deadlines.
- PennWest has a high admission rate of 94% for undergraduate students.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- In-State$7,716
- Out-of-state$11,574
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$12,630
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled12,778
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationNo
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Temple University, a public institution in Philadelphia, features nine online bachelor's degrees and 16 online master's degrees across subjects like business, marketing, and social work. Despite an enrollment of over 33,000 students, the school maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1. Retention and graduation rates are also impressive at 84% and 75%, respectively.
Highlights
- Offers a flat tuition rate for all online students, no matter where they live
- Mixes synchronous and asynchronous learning formats
- Has educational discounts on software and hardware for online learning
Know Before You Apply
- Temple reviews applications holistically, looking at high school performance, interests, and coursework.
- Temple is a test-optional school for admission.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- In-State$21,014
- Out-of-state$36,379
- In-State$20,531
- Out-of-state$26,672
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled30,205
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
The University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League institution, offers eight online bachelor's degree majors, including creative studies, data analytics, and physical and life sciences. Penn also offers 10 online master's degrees in fields like urban education, regulatory affairs, and nonprofit leadership. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8-to-1, and the overall graduation rate is 97%.
Highlights
- Offers the prestige of an Ivy League education to students with or without previous college experience
- Meets diverse students' needs, including active-duty military
- Provides online tutoring, academic advising, and career services
Know Before You Apply
- About half of undergraduate students receive grants or scholarship aid.
- Applicants who don't meet the requirements can qualify for admission through a four-course trial.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education
- In-State$56,212
- Out-of-state$56,212
- In-State$39,838
- Out-of-state$39,838
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled23,790
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Villanova University, a private institution, offers 13 online bachelor's degree programs and 19 online master's degrees. Majors include entrepreneurship, human resources management, and leadership. Villanova has high graduation and retention rates of 92% and 96%, respectively, along with a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Highlights
- Offers six accelerated online bachelor's-to-master's degree programs
- Prepares students for industry-recognized certifications and credentials
- Offers credit-bearing certificate programs that lead to degrees
Know Before You Apply
- Villanova has a high average net price of $37,946.
- Only about half of undergraduates receive grants or scholarships.
- Admissions are highly selective at 25%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
- In-State$60,768
- Out-of-state$60,768
- In-State$21,207
- Out-of-state$21,207
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled10,383
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU), a public university, offers eight online bachelor's degree completion programs and 29 online master's degrees. With a retention rate of 82%, the school reports that 70% of undergraduate students receive grants or financial aid. The average net price is $18,407.
Highlights
- Applies associate degree or previous college credit toward its online degree-completion programs
- Includes multiple start dates with rolling admissions
- Provides academic advising, registration, technical assistance, and career education
Know Before You Apply
- Admissions generally don't require standardized tests, but some programs may still require exam scores for acceptance.
- SRU is lightly selective, with an admission rate of 75%.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- In-State$7,716
- Out-of-state$11,574
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$13,932
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled8,362
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University, a private university based in Philadelphia, offers 15 online bachelor's degrees and over 100 online master's degrees. Drexel has a low, 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, while 91% of undergraduate enrollees receive grants or scholarship aid. Drexel also reports a high retention rate of 87%, indicating student satisfaction.
Highlights
- Offers online majors in fields including business, criminal justice, technology, and nursing
- Has reduced tuition rate options for students affiliated with the military and various partnered organizations
- Includes a 15-30% tuition discount for Drexel alumni and their families enrolled in online programs
Know Before You Apply
- Drexel has a high average net price of $42,342.
- There are more options for online master's degree programs than for online bachelor's programs.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- In-State$56,595
- Out-of-state$56,595
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled21,573
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
DeSales University
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
As a private university, DeSales University offers 15 online bachelor's and 24 online master's degree programs. DeSales has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1. Ninety-one percent of undergraduate students receive grants or scholarships, while the graduation rate is 71%.
Highlights
- Offers 15 accelerated majors, including criminal justice, financial planning, and human resource management
- Has helpful online student resources such as a help desk, technology assistance, and student accessibility accommodations
- Includes computer labs throughout campus that online students can use to complete assignments
Know Before You Apply
- DeSales has rolling admissions, so applicants hear back in about four weeks.
- For scholarships, the priority deadline is December 1 of the student's senior year in high school.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- In-State$41,100
- Out-of-state$41,100
- In-State$21,120
- Out-of-state$21,120
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled2,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Thomas Jefferson University is a private university offering 10 online bachelor's and 19 online master's degree programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13-to-1, while 88% of undergraduate students receive grants or scholarships.
Highlights
- Offers accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree programs in human resources management and business administration
- Provides a unique learning model that connects various disciplines with real-world problems
- Self-reports a 97% employment rate for its class of 2023
Know Before You Apply
- Admissions are fairly open, with an 86% acceptance rate.
- Admission decisions involve a holistic review of applicants, factoring in things like academics, motivation, and life experiences.
Programmatic Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Education for Public Health
- In-State$43,100
- Out-of-state$43,100
- In-State$22,509
- Out-of-state$22,509
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled8,315
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
- Harrisburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, a private school, offers six online bachelor's and four online master's degrees. Nearly all undergraduate students receive grants or scholarships, while the average net price is just under $15,000.
Highlights
- Offers STEM-focused degree programs, including cybersecurity and esports management
- Boasts an average undergraduate student debt $6,000 less than the national average
- Has frozen tuition rates for the past eight years
Know Before You Apply
- Grade point average is an important factor in admissions decisions.
- There is no application deadline, but it's recommended to apply in the fall or early spring of senior year in high school.
Programmatic Accreditation
- ABET
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- In-State$23,900
- Out-of-state$23,900
- In-State$14,940
- Out-of-state$14,940
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,082
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Explore More Programs in Pennsylvania
Who Accredits Online Schools in Pennsylvania?
Under new rules adopted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in 2020, any ED-recognized accreditor can endorse Pennsylvania schools. However, most Pennsylvania colleges are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which previously functioned as the state’s regional accrediting body.
MSCHE and similar agencies exclusively offer institutional accreditation, which applies to an entire school. Some academic departments, divisions, and programs also hold an optional form of accreditation known as programmatic accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation signals exceptional academic quality or that a program meets highly specific content coverage, training, or professional standards. Some regulated professions require candidates to hold specially accredited degrees. For example, Pennsylvania’s State Board of Psychology requires licensed psychologists to hold doctorates accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Additional examples of programmatic accreditors relevant to Pennsylvania’s job market include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs
- Council on Social Work Education
Why Attend a Pennsylvania College Online?
- Enrolling in an online college gives you the flexibility to balance school with work and family.
- Many online programs in Pennsylvania run asynchronously, letting you schedule classes around your other responsibilities.
- You can save money by not paying for campus housing or a meal plan.
- Some online colleges feature start dates throughout the year, allowing you to further your education on your own time.
- Several Pennsylvania colleges and universities offer the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state online learners.
How Much Does College Cost in Pennsylvania?
Tuition rates in Pennsylvania exceed national averages in every category profiled in the bar chart above. Note that the cited figures apply only to tuition and fees and do not cover other common educational expenses such as textbooks, parking, or room and board.
Pennsylvania is one of seven states that does not participate in a regional tuition reciprocity compact. Tuition reciprocity offers reduced or in-state tuition rates to nonresident students from neighboring states. However, some Pennsylvania colleges voluntarily offer tuition discounts to learners from nearby states.
You may also have a route to savings by attending Pennsylvania online colleges. Some schools apply lower tuition rates to students in fully online programs regardless of their physical location.
Financial Aid for Pennsylvania Students
Despite its relatively high tuition costs and non-participation in tuition reciprocity compacts, Pennsylvania’s state government operates many financial aid and cost relief programs for postsecondary students.
Examples include:
- PA State Grant Program: This program provides nonrepayable aid to eligible students with demonstrated financial need.
- Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program: Launched in 2024, this program offers financial incentives to students training for in-demand occupations with declining workforces.
- PA Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program: Qualified nurses can earn up to $2,500 in student loan relief for each year they’ve worked, up to a maximum of $7,500.
Pennsylvania also offers financial aid to emerging educators, students in mental health education programs, military and National Guard service members, and learners meeting other aid requirement profiles.
In addition, Pennsylvania operates its own state-based work-study program that provides financial aid to enrolled students working for qualified employers while attending college.
Popular Cities for Students and Professionals in Pennsylvania
According to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, 78% of Pennsylvania’s population lives in urban municipalities. Naturally, this means most of the state’s jobs are also concentrated in urban areas, with these cities leading the way:
- Philadelphia: In July 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that job growth in Pennsylvania’s largest city significantly outpaced the national average. Philadelphia’s 2.2% job growth rate handily topped the national rate of 1.6%, equating to a 38% better performance.
- Pittsburgh: Historically known for steel production, Pittsburgh has dramatically transformed its industrial and economic profile in recent decades. The city is now known for its world-class health sciences, technology, climate technology, and business services industries.
- Harrisburg: Pennsylvania’s state capital is thriving. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the city’s gross domestic product increased by 23.7% from 2020-2023, rising from $41.1 billion to $50.9 billion.
Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania
In October 2024, Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry reported its 14th straight record-setting month for the number of non-farm jobs in the state. The October 2024 report also cited a 3.4% unemployment rate, which was about 20% lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.
These encouraging figures highlight the strength of the state’s labor market, which increasingly favors a diversified lineup of modernized industries. Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development recognizes these fields as key drivers of the state’s economy:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Distribution and logistics
- Energy production and transition
- Life sciences and medical technology
- Robotics and artificial intelligence
Pennsylvania online colleges can help you prepare to join the state’s labor force, as many jobs in these industries require higher education.
What are the fastest-growing jobs in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania hosts multiple fields and industries experiencing rapid job growth, with healthcare and technology professions leading the way.
In addition to Pennsylvania’s top eight fastest-growing career paths, which are profiled in the table below, several business and finance professions merit mention. Labor market researchers cite strong expected growth for operations research analysts, actuaries, logisticians, and financial examiners in Pennsylvania from 2022-2032.
| Job | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 42.7% | $127,400 | Master’s degree |
| Data Scientists | 32.8% | $100,320 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 31.3% | $85,570 | Certificate or diploma |
| Statisticians | 30.5% | $83,660 | Master’s degree |
| Physician Assistants | 28.3% | $124,880 | Master’s degree |
| Information Security Analysts | 28.0% | $110,230 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 27.2% | $103,720 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 25.9% | $61,610 | Associate degree |
What are the top-paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, management-level jobs in fields including technology, architecture and engineering, business management, business operations, finance, natural sciences, and other skilled fields tend to offer the highest median annual salaries. These positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree plus multiple years of experience in lower-level roles.
The following table profiles eight high-paying jobs with strong long-term growth rates that you can prepare for by earning a degree at an online college in Pennsylvania:
| Job | Median Annual Wage (2024) | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $161,570 | 13.9% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial Managers | $137,960 | 15.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Marketing Managers | $142,000 | 5.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Human Resources Managers | $130,830 | 5.0% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Nurse Practitioners | $127,400 | 42.7% | Master’s degree |
| Physician Assistants | $124,880 | 28.3% | Master’s degree |
| Information Security Analysts | $110,230 | 28.0% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $103,720 | 27.2% | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Online Colleges
According to NCES, Pennsylvania has 192 two-year and four-year institutions that fall into the public or private nonprofit institutional categories.
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