Best Value Human Services Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's 11 Human Services programs reveal a striking cost divide between public and private options. Lincoln University offers the most affordable path at $12,912 net cost while producing graduates earning $28,598, creating solid value for students entering social work roles. The state's healthcare giants like UPMC and growing nonprofit sector provide ample opportunities for Human Services graduates across direct care, case management, and community outreach positions. Graduation rates span from 5.3% to 80.8%, making program selection critical for success in this field focused on helping vulnerable populations.

Programs

$12,905 – $30,528

Net Price Range

$30,718

Avg. Program Earnings

58.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Human Services, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Lincoln University Lincoln University, Pennsylvania	$12,912	$28,598	$12,512	52.1%	80.6%
2	Seton Hill University Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$22,558	$33,565	$41,414	71.0%	78.3%
3	Geneva College Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania	$21,043	$28,598	$33,610	61.5%	79.1%
4	Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	$26,198	$34,526	$36,842	77.1%	81.1%
5	Chestnut Hill College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,944	$32,284	$39,410	56.1%	98.2%
6	University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania	$30,528	$26,739	$52,309	80.8%	84.4%
7	Gwynedd Mercy University Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania	$27,141		$38,310	58.5%	58.4%
8	Lancaster Bible College Lancaster, Pennsylvania	$22,870		$29,990	71.4%	97.2%
9	Peirce College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$12,905		$15,060	5.3%
10	Waynesburg University Waynesburg, Pennsylvania	$25,157		$29,460	60.5%	75.6%
11	Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, Pennsylvania	$26,084		$17,940	50.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lincoln University stand out for Human Services value in Pennsylvania?

Lincoln University combines the lowest net cost at $12,912 with graduates earning $28,598 annually. The 52.1% graduation rate, while modest, still produces working professionals at an 80.6% acceptance rate that makes admission accessible.

How do private college costs compare to outcomes for Human Services majors?

Private schools range from $21,043 to $30,528 in net costs, with Elizabethtown College graduates earning the highest at $34,526. Seton Hill University offers strong value with a 71% graduation rate and $33,565 median earnings for its $22,558 net price.

Is the wide graduation rate gap concerning for Human Services programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from Peirce College's 5.3% to University of Scranton's 80.8%. This 75-point spread suggests program quality and student support differ significantly, making careful school selection essential for degree completion.

Where do Human Services graduates typically find employment in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's large healthcare systems like UPMC, extensive nonprofit networks, and state social services create varied opportunities. Graduates work in hospitals, community centers, mental health facilities, and government agencies serving the state's aging population and urban communities.

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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.