Top 10 Universities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts several prestigious universities offering a wide array of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and connections to leading employers. Here are the top 10 universities in Pennsylvania:
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is a private Ivy League research university known for its rigorous academics, interdisciplinary approach, and global impact. Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, UPenn offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #8 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 26,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UPenn offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, nursing, education, and medicine.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 8%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1500.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiatives
Famous Alumni:
- Donald Trump (45th President of the United States)
- Warren Buffett (Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway)
- Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX and Tesla)
- Elizabeth Banks (Actress and Filmmaker)
- Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google)
Top Employers:
- McKinsey & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Amazon
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Carnegie Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, is a private research university known for its strengths in technology, business, and the arts. Founded in 1900, CMU offers a rigorous academic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #27 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 14,000 students
Degrees Offered:
CMU offers degrees in fields such as computer science, engineering, business, fine arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 15%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1480.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Entrepreneurship and Startup Incubators
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Technology and Innovation Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Andy Warhol (Artist)
- John Nash (Mathematician and Nobel Laureate)
- Melinda Gates (Philanthropist)
- Ted Danson (Actor)
- John Forbes Nash Jr. (Mathematician and Nobel Laureate)
Top Employers:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Apple
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State, is a public research university with multiple campuses across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, Penn State is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and liberal arts.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #63 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 100,000 students (across all campuses)
Degrees Offered:
Penn State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, agriculture, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 56%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students varies by campus but generally ranges from 1180 to 1380.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Collegiate Sports and Athletics
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Keegan-Michael Key (Actor and Comedian)
- Lara Spencer (Journalist and Television Host)
- John Urschel (Former NFL Player and Mathematician)
- Ty Burrell (Actor)
- Franco Harris (Former NFL Player)
Top Employers:
- Penn State University
- PNC Financial Services
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- Amazon
Villanova University
Villanova University, located in Villanova, is a private Catholic university known for its strong programs in business, engineering, nursing, and liberal arts. Founded in 1842, Villanova offers a comprehensive education rooted in the Augustinian tradition.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #49 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 11,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Villanova University offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, nursing, and law.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 29%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1380.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry and Spiritual Life Programs
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Professional Development and Networking Events
- Intramural Sports and Fitness Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Jim Croce (Singer-Songwriter)
- Maria Bello (Actress)
- Howie Long (Former NFL Player and Sports Analyst)
- Bradley Cooper (Actor)
- Kathie Lee Gifford (Television Host)
Top Employers:
- Villanova University
- Comcast Corporation
- Vanguard Group
- Johnson & Johnson
- KPMG
Lehigh University
Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, is a private research university known for its strengths in engineering, business, and the sciences. Founded in 1865, Lehigh offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary academic environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #49 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 7,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Lehigh University offers degrees in fields such as engineering, business, arts and sciences, education, and health sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 22%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1390.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Greek Life and Social Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiatives
Famous Alumni:
- Lee Iacocca (Former CEO of Chrysler Corporation)
- John Lithgow (Actor)
- Colin Powell (Former U.S. Secretary of State)
- Roger Penske (Businessman and Racing Team Owner)
- Richard Hayne (CEO of Urban Outfitters)
Top Employers:
- Lehigh University
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- PPL Corporation
- Amazon
- ExxonMobil
These universities in Pennsylvania offer students exceptional academic opportunities, diverse extracurricular experiences, and strong connections to leading employers, preparing them for successful careers and lifelong learning.
Certainly! Continuing with the list of top universities in Pennsylvania:
Drexel University
Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, is a private research university known for its cooperative education (co-op) program and emphasis on experiential learning. Founded in 1891, Drexel offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #102 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 24,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Drexel University offers degrees in fields such as engineering, business, arts and sciences, nursing, education, and health professions.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 75%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1280.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Co-op and Internship Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Innovation Initiatives
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Robert Heller (Former Governor of the Federal Reserve)
- Paul Zingg (President of California State University, Chico)
- Wanda M. Austin (Former CEO of The Aerospace Corporation)
- Chuck Barris (Game Show Creator and Host)
- Todd Lubar (Real Estate Entrepreneur)
Top Employers:
- Drexel University
- Comcast Corporation
- Vanguard Group
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Johnson & Johnson
Temple University
Temple University, located in Philadelphia, is a public research university known for its diverse student body and urban campus. Founded in 1884, Temple offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #104 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 39,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Temple University offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, health professions, and law.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 59%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1230.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Greek Life and Social Organizations
Famous Alumni:
- Bill Cosby (Comedian and Actor)
- Bob Saget (Comedian and Actor)
- Kevin Negandhi (ESPN Anchor)
- Charles Barkley (Former NBA Player)
- Steven Z. Miller (Former CEO of Shell Oil Company)
Top Employers:
- Temple University
- Comcast Corporation
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Independence Blue Cross
- PNC Financial Services
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a public research university located in Pittsburgh. Founded in 1787, Pitt is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts and sciences.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #70 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 35,000 students
Degrees Offered:
The University of Pittsburgh offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, education, and law.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 57%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1340.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Collegiate Sports and Athletics
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Professional Development and Networking Events
Famous Alumni:
- Dan Marino (Former NFL Player)
- Rachel Carson (Environmental Scientist and Author)
- Joe Manganiello (Actor)
- Jeff Goldblum (Actor)
- Billy Porter (Actor and Singer)
Top Employers:
- University of Pittsburgh
- UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
- PNC Financial Services
- Highmark Health
Bucknell University
Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong undergraduate programs and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Founded in 1846, Bucknell offers a residential campus experience with a focus on personalized education.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #34 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,600 students
Degrees Offered:
Bucknell University offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, engineering, management, and education.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 27%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1390.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Greek Life and Social Organizations
Famous Alumni:
- Christy Mathewson (Hall of Fame Baseball Player)
- Steve Friedman (Producer and Journalist)
- Philip Roth (Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author)
- Mike Muscala (NBA Player)
- Lisa Salters (ESPN Journalist)
Top Employers:
- Bucknell University
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- PPL Corporation
- Deloitte
- Amazon
Lafayette College
Lafayette College, located in Easton, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and strong sense of community. Founded in 1826, Lafayette offers a residential campus experience with a focus on personalized education and undergraduate research.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #37 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 2,600 students
Degrees Offered:
Lafayette College offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, engineering, and international affairs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 29%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1360.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs
- Research and Internship Opportunities
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Greek Life and Social Organizations
Famous Alumni:
- Ed Coleman (CEO of Unilever)
- Nick Adams (Broadway Actor and Director)
- Mark Schweiker (Former Governor of Pennsylvania)
- John W. Snow (Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury)
- Bill Cosby (Comedian and Actor)
Top Employers:
- Lafayette College
- ExxonMobil
- PPL Corporation
- Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs