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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's most affordable business programs reveal striking cost differences, with University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offering the lowest net price at $16,630 while Temple University commands $29,219 despite being public. The state's 15 most affordable programs span from small liberal arts colleges to major research universities, creating graduation rate gaps as wide as 35 percentage points. Strayer University graduates earn the highest median income at $50,096, nearly $17,000 more than University of Valley Forge alumni at $33,993. Pennsylvania's business education market benefits from the state's major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical giants that actively recruit graduates for finance, healthcare administration, and corporate roles. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with four University of Pittsburgh campuses claiming the top spots for value. The PA State Grant provides additional relief for in-state students, making these programs even more accessible for Pennsylvania residents pursuing business degrees.
22
Programs
$16,630 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$42,306
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
2 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
3 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
4 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
5 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
6 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
7 $21,360 $13,920
8 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
9 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
10 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
11 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
12 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
13 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
14 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
15 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
16 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
17 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
18 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
19 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
20 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
21 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
22 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pittsburgh campuses so affordable for business students?

Four University of Pittsburgh campuses rank among the five most affordable business programs in Pennsylvania, with net prices ranging from $16,630 to $18,952. These regional campuses maintain the same accreditation as the main Pittsburgh campus while offering significantly lower costs. Bradford and Greensburg both accept over 93% of applicants, making admission accessible for most students. All Pitt campuses share similar median earnings of $37,424 and manageable debt levels around $23,059.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania's cheapest business programs?

Graduation rates span from 39.60% at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg to 74.70% at Temple University, creating a 35-point gap among affordable options. Washington & Jefferson College achieves a 71.40% graduation rate despite costing just $25,544 net. Smaller private colleges like Juniata (68.90%) and Waynesburg (60.50%) often outperform larger public universities in completion rates. Students should weigh these completion statistics against program costs when making enrollment decisions.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings after graduation?

Strayer University, with a net price of $21,360, produces the highest-earning graduates at $50,096 median income, while University of Valley Forge costs $27,499 but yields only $33,993 in median earnings. Temple University graduates earn $46,738 despite the program costing $29,219 annually. Albright College delivers strong earnings of $48,041 for a moderate net price of $21,664. The data shows no direct correlation between program cost and graduate income potential.

Where do business graduates find employment opportunities in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's major employers actively recruit business graduates, with UPMC leading healthcare administration hiring and Comcast seeking corporate finance professionals. The state's pharmaceutical sector, including companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries, creates demand for supply chain and business development roles. Philadelphia's financial district houses major banks and investment firms that recruit from Temple and La Salle University. Pittsburgh's technology sector and Harrisburg's government positions provide additional career paths for business graduates throughout the state.

Is the PA State Grant available to students at all these business programs?

The PA State Grant helps Pennsylvania residents attending both public and private institutions within the state, reducing actual costs below the listed net prices. Grant amounts vary based on family income and chosen institution, with larger awards typically going to students at private colleges. Public university students benefit from both state grant funds and lower base tuition rates for residents. Students should apply through FAFSA to determine their specific grant eligibility and potential savings at each program.

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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.