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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Carnegie Mellon's liberal arts graduates earn $39,927 despite the program's 11.30% acceptance rate, while University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offers similar earning potential at $31,305 with 93.55% acceptance. Pennsylvania's liberal arts programs span a remarkable cost spectrum from $16,630 to $44,876 net price, creating opportunities across income levels. The state's major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies increasingly value the critical thinking and communication skills that liberal arts education develops. Public University of Pittsburgh campuses deliver consistent $31,305 earnings across Bradford, Greensburg, and Johnstown locations, proving that geographic diversity doesn't compromise outcomes. Meanwhile, Franklin and Marshall's $45,852 graduate earnings justify its $39,061 net cost for families seeking maximum return. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, which employs over 800,000 workers, particularly values liberal arts graduates for patient communication roles and healthcare administration positions that require strong analytical and writing abilities.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$34,969
Avg. Program Earnings
66.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,630 $31,305 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
2 $17,034 $31,305 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
3 $18,952 $31,305 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
4 $24,829 $38,289 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
5 $34,978 $52,107 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
6 $35,487 $50,022 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
7 $22,673 $30,771 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
8 $31,671 $39,927 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
9 $28,714 $35,416 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
10 $20,748 $24,421 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
11 $39,061 $45,852 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
12 $38,428 $42,682 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
13 $30,528 $32,029 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
14 $30,074 $31,305 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
15 $27,263 $27,439 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
16 $28,329 $26,739 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
17 $44,876 $39,369 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
18 $40,690 $19,162 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
19 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
20 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
21 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
22 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
23 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
24 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
25 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
26 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
27 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
28 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
29 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
30 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
31 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
32 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
33 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
34 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
35 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
36 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
37 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
38 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
39 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
40 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
41 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
42 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
43 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
44 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
45 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
46 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
47 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
48 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
49 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
50 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pittsburgh's branch campuses such strong values for liberal arts students?

All three Pitt branch campuses produce graduates earning $31,305 annually while maintaining net costs between $16,630 and $18,952. Bradford offers the lowest net price at $16,630 with a 93.55% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Each campus provides the same University of Pittsburgh degree credential while serving different regions of the state.

How do private liberal arts programs justify their higher costs in Pennsylvania?

Saint Joseph's University graduates earn $50,022 with a 79.80% graduation rate, significantly outperforming many lower-cost options. Duquesne University produces the highest earners at $52,107 annually, though at a $34,978 net cost. Franklin and Marshall's 86.00% graduation rate and $45,852 earnings demonstrate strong career preparation despite the $39,061 investment.

Does location within Pennsylvania affect liberal arts career prospects?

Pittsburgh-area schools like Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne benefit from the city's healthcare and technology sectors, with graduates earning $39,927 to $52,107. Philadelphia institutions like Saint Joseph's leverage the region's finance and pharmaceutical industries, producing $50,022 average earnings. Smaller communities like Mount Aloysius in Cresson still connect graduates to regional opportunities, though earnings average $24,421.

What graduation rates can liberal arts students expect at Pennsylvania colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 39.60% at Pitt-Greensburg to 92.50% at Carnegie Mellon. Mid-tier options like West Chester University achieve 69.80% graduation rates while maintaining affordable $22,673 net costs. Private colleges generally outperform public institutions, with Franklin and Marshall leading at 86.00% and Saint Joseph's reaching 79.80%.

How does student debt impact the value proposition for Pennsylvania liberal arts programs?

University of Pittsburgh campuses maintain consistent $24,000 debt levels while producing $31,305 earners, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. Saint Joseph's graduates carry $29,449 in debt but earn $50,022 annually, resulting in favorable repayment scenarios. Carnegie Mellon's $25,515 debt load paired with strong alumni networks helps graduates navigate early career transitions effectively.

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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.