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Catholic Colleges in Pennsylvania

28 schools in Pennsylvania. See our methodology.

Villanova University commands attention among Pennsylvania's 28 Catholic colleges with a 92.4% graduation rate and graduates earning $100,423 annually, nearly double the state average. This stark contrast highlights the range within Catholic higher education across Pennsylvania, where costs span from Holy Family University's $12,251 net price to Villanova's $44,876. The state's Catholic institutions serve over 40,000 students, with acceptance rates varying dramatically from Villanova's selective 23.4% to Saint Joseph's University's accessible 88.7%. Pennsylvania's economy, anchored by healthcare giants like UPMC and tech leaders like Comcast, creates natural pathways for Catholic college graduates. The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in Lancaster exemplifies this connection, preparing healthcare professionals with a focused curriculum that yields $69,731 in median earnings. Many of these institutions benefit from Pennsylvania State Grant funding, helping students manage costs while accessing education rooted in Catholic tradition. The geographic spread from Philadelphia's urban campuses to rural Saint Vincent College in Latrobe ensures Catholic education reaches students across Pennsylvania's varied regions, each campus adapting to local industry needs while maintaining core religious values.
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Schools
$26,792
Avg. Net Price
$62,044
Avg. Earnings
63.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Pennsylvania

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 7,005 $44,876 92.4% 23.4%
2 1,548 $37,208 67.0% 45.7%
3 1,265 $29,464 64.5% 69.7%
4 4,742 $35,487 79.8% 88.7%
5 1,141 $27,141 58.5% 58.4%
6 3,589 $30,528 80.8% 84.4%
7 1,525 $19,173 72.8% 73.1%
8 5,216 $34,978 75.5% 87.5%
9 1,264 $23,331 72.1% 73.4%
10 2,298 $12,251 60.4% 77.4%
11 2,467 $23,206 69.5% 80.9%
12 1,632 $24,829 69.2% 88.7%
13 2,113 $30,465 71.0% 77.2%
14 1,821 $22,222 72.5% 80.8%
15 2,042 $28,329 58.5% 59.0%
16 1,581 $22,558 71.0% 78.3%
17 1,966 $21,409 57.9% 94.3%
18 41 $38,775 44.4% 75.0%
19 645 $24,051 50.5% 78.5%
20 466 $20,356 43.5% 75.6%
21 1,123 $20,748 55.6% 86.0%
22 786 $21,972 57.7% 97.4%
23 1,519 $23,281 60.1% 96.0%
24 1,336 $20,822 55.2% 92.7%
25 1,574 $28,714 46.1% 85.5%
26 2,217 $27,263 58.7% 80.6%
27 931 $29,944 56.1% 98.2%
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Villanova University stand out among Catholic colleges in Pennsylvania?

Villanova leads with a 92.4% graduation rate and graduates earning $100,423 annually, the highest among Pennsylvania's Catholic institutions. However, its 23.4% acceptance rate makes it highly selective, and the $44,876 net cost reflects its premium positioning in Catholic higher education.

How affordable are Catholic colleges in Pennsylvania?

Net prices range from $12,251 at Holy Family University to $44,876 at Villanova, spanning over $32,000. Mid-range options like Saint Francis University at $19,173 and Marywood University at $22,222 provide quality Catholic education at moderate costs, often supported by Pennsylvania State Grant funding.

Is there a Catholic college in Pennsylvania with high acceptance rates?

Several Catholic colleges maintain high acceptance rates, including Saint Joseph's University at 88.7% and Misericordia University at 88.7%. These institutions balance accessibility with quality, offering graduation rates above 69% while welcoming a broader range of students into Catholic higher education.

Does attending a Catholic college in Pennsylvania lead to good career outcomes?

Graduates earn between $48,555 and $100,423 annually, with most schools producing earnings above $60,000. Pennsylvania's strong healthcare sector, led by UPMC, and major employers like Comcast create abundant opportunities for Catholic college graduates across various fields and regions.

Where can I find specialized programs at Catholic colleges in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in Lancaster specializes in healthcare education with graduates earning $69,731. Duquesne University in Pittsburgh offers strong programs connected to the city's medical and business sectors, while maintaining a 75.5% graduation rate across its 5,216 students.

What size Catholic college should I consider in Pennsylvania?

Enrollment ranges from 1,141 at Gwynedd Mercy University to 7,005 at Villanova University. Mid-sized options like University of Scranton with 3,589 students offer personal attention while maintaining extensive resources, achieving an 80.8% graduation rate and strong alumni networks throughout Pennsylvania.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.