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NCAA Division I Colleges in Pennsylvania

14 schools in Pennsylvania. See our methodology.

The University of Pennsylvania stands apart among Pennsylvania's 14 Division I colleges with a 96.8% graduation rate and median earnings reaching $111,371, reflecting the state's strong connections to finance and healthcare sectors. While Penn accepts just 6.5% of applicants, the broader market shows remarkable accessibility, with schools like La Salle University accepting 94.25% of students at a net price of $21,409. Pennsylvania State University demonstrates the power of scale, educating 41,862 students while maintaining an 85.7% graduation rate. The state's commitment to higher education access appears through varied price points, from Saint Francis University at $19,173 to Villanova at $44,876. These institutions feed directly into Pennsylvania's major employers including UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies, with graduates earning between $62,101 and $111,371 annually. The PA State Grant program supports students across this range, making college more affordable whether they choose a small liberal arts environment or a large research university. Philadelphia emerges as an education center with five Division I schools, while Pittsburgh hosts three, creating concentrated talent pools that serve the state's healthcare, technology, and financial services industries.
14
Schools
$32,121
Avg. Net Price
$80,984
Avg. Earnings
80.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Pennsylvania

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 10,768 $31,229 96.8% 6.5%
2 7,005 $44,876 92.4% 23.4%
3 5,803 $33,549 89.2% 37.0%
4 20,189 $30,074 84.3% 49.1%
5 3,818 $40,429 86.2% 32.6%
6 2,746 $32,496 88.1% 33.6%
7 41,862 $32,598 85.7% 55.2%
8 21,249 $29,219 74.7% 79.7%
9 4,742 $35,487 79.8% 88.7%
10 13,509 $38,428 77.1% 79.6%
11 1,525 $19,173 72.8% 73.1%
12 5,216 $34,978 75.5% 87.5%
13 2,866 $25,747 65.6% 93.8%
14 1,966 $21,409 57.9% 94.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pennsylvania different from other Division I schools in the state?

Penn combines extremely selective admissions at 6.5% acceptance rate with the highest graduation rate at 96.8% and top earnings at $111,371. This Ivy League institution serves 10,768 students while maintaining academic excellence that directly connects to Philadelphia's finance and healthcare sectors, making it the clear leader among Pennsylvania's 14 Division I colleges.

How do costs vary across Pennsylvania's Division I colleges?

Net prices range dramatically from $19,173 at Saint Francis University to $44,876 at Villanova University. Mid-range options include University of Pittsburgh at $30,074 and Penn State at $32,598. The PA State Grant program helps bridge these gaps, making both affordable regional schools and higher-priced institutions accessible to state residents.

Is there a connection between acceptance rates and graduation success?

Surprisingly, many accessible schools maintain strong outcomes. Temple University accepts 79.7% of applicants yet graduates 74.7% of students with median earnings of $63,727. Similarly, Saint Joseph's University combines an 88.68% acceptance rate with a solid 79.8% graduation rate, showing that selective admissions don't guarantee the only path to success.

Does school size affect graduation rates in Pennsylvania?

Large universities perform well alongside smaller colleges. Penn State educates 41,862 students while achieving an 85.7% graduation rate, while tiny Lafayette College serves just 2,746 students with an 88.1% rate. Temple University shows that major urban universities with 21,249 students can maintain 74.7% graduation rates through strong support systems.

Where do graduates typically work after completing these programs?

Pennsylvania's major employers actively recruit from these schools, particularly UPMC for healthcare roles, Comcast for technology positions, and pharmaceutical companies throughout the state. Earnings range from $62,101 to $111,371, reflecting the state's strong job market in finance, healthcare, and emerging tech sectors concentrated in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.