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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $80,196 annually after completing their business programs, nearly triple the $30,047 earned by Lincoln University alumni. This dramatic earnings gap highlights how program choice affects career outcomes across Pennsylvania's 20 business administration programs. The state's healthcare giant UPMC and technology leader Comcast create strong demand for skilled managers, particularly in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia markets. Public universities like Cheyney offer the lowest net costs at $9,837, while private institutions range up to $31,671 at Carnegie Mellon. Most programs maintain graduation rates between 40-60%, though Carnegie Mellon achieves 92.5% and University of Pennsylvania reaches 96.8%. Pennsylvania's varied economy supports business graduates across industries from pharmaceuticals to finance. The PA State Grant program helps reduce costs for in-state students, making public options particularly attractive for budget-conscious families seeking management careers.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$44,620
Avg. Program Earnings
61.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $52,107 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,905 $49,621 $15,060 5.3%
3 $9,837 $35,060 $10,904 16.2%
4 $15,089 $38,807 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $31,671 $80,196 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
6 $19,279 $46,673 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
7 $12,912 $30,047 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
8 $17,216 $38,971 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
9 $19,258 $41,937 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
10 $19,685 $42,363 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
11 $21,972 $47,260 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
12 $31,229 $67,101 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
13 $20,231 $40,911 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $21,664 $43,612 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
15 $21,205 $42,103 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
16 $23,553 $46,407 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
17 $22,673 $44,235 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
18 $19,524 $37,907 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
19 $22,909 $44,021 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
20 $26,198 $48,901 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
21 $20,800 $38,649 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
22 $21,409 $39,729 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
23 $22,746 $42,086 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
24 $25,885 $47,260 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
25 $21,043 $38,289 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
26 $20,748 $37,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
27 $30,074 $54,531 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
28 $33,549 $60,771 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
29 $29,464 $52,941 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
30 $22,558 $40,281 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
31 $27,686 $49,214 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
32 $19,173 $33,993 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
33 $22,222 $39,009 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
34 $24,051 $41,937 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
35 $23,281 $40,456 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
36 $30,314 $50,105 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
37 $24,829 $41,007 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
38 $23,331 $38,289 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
39 $21,461 $34,793 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
40 $28,714 $46,254 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
41 $30,086 $47,595 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
42 $24,791 $38,878 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
43 $30,528 $47,025 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
44 $27,141 $41,565 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
45 $28,132 $42,930 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
46 $28,329 $42,682 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
47 $38,428 $57,318 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
48 $25,747 $38,289 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
49 $34,978 $51,928 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
50 $25,157 $37,208 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Carnegie Mellon and other Pennsylvania business programs?

Carnegie Mellon business graduates earn $80,196 compared to the state average of around $45,000, reflecting the university's strong connections to technology and consulting firms. The program's 92.5% graduation rate and 11.3% acceptance rate indicate highly selective admission standards. Students also graduate with just $23,250 in debt despite the higher program costs. The university's Pittsburgh location provides direct access to major corporations seeking top-tier management talent.

How do public university business programs compare on value metrics in Pennsylvania?

Public programs range from $9,837 net cost at Cheyney University to $21,205 at Kutztown University. East Stroudsburg offers solid value with $15,089 net costs and $38,807 graduate earnings, plus a 93.6% acceptance rate. Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides middle-ground value at $17,216 net cost with 52.4% graduation rates. Most public programs maintain manageable debt levels under $27,000.

Is the low graduation rate at Peirce College concerning for prospective students?

Peirce College shows only a 5.3% graduation rate despite reasonable costs and $49,621 graduate earnings for those who complete the program. This suggests the institution may serve non-traditional students who transfer or pursue alternative paths. The college's focus on working adults and flexible scheduling could explain completion challenges. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their commitment level and support needs before enrolling.

Does University of Pennsylvania justify its high costs for business students?

UPenn charges $31,229 net cost but delivers $67,101 in graduate earnings and maintains a 96.8% graduation rate. Students graduate with just $20,348 in debt, lower than many cheaper programs. The 6.5% acceptance rate reflects extremely selective admission standards and strong employer recognition. The Ivy League network and Philadelphia location provide strong career opportunities in finance and consulting.

Where do Pennsylvania business graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia anchor the state's business job market, with UPMC employing thousands of managers in healthcare administration. Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters creates technology management positions, while pharmaceutical giants like GSK and Merck need operations specialists. The state's finance sector, including PNC Bank and other regional institutions, actively recruits business administration graduates. Rural areas offer opportunities in manufacturing and agricultural business management roles.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.