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Rural Colleges in Pennsylvania

15 schools in Pennsylvania. See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's rural colleges paint a picture of extreme contrasts, with graduation rates spanning from just 16.2% at Cheyney University to an impressive 89.3% at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology. While some institutions struggle with completion rates below 25%, others like Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences command net prices of $37,208 and deliver graduates earning $69,731 annually. The Triangle Tech campuses in Sunbury and Falls Creek demonstrate how specialized technical training can yield strong outcomes, both reporting graduation rates above 66% despite modest enrollments under 80 students. These rural institutions serve Pennsylvania's economy differently than their urban counterparts, with many focusing on healthcare and technical fields that align with the state's major employers like UPMC and regional manufacturing. Community colleges such as Pennsylvania Highlands offer accessible education at just $7,454 net cost, while Penn State's satellite campuses provide research university credentials in smaller settings. The acceptance rate range of 45.7% to 95.3% reflects varying selectivity levels, from competitive health science programs to open-access community colleges serving local populations.
15
Schools
$16,620
Avg. Net Price
$51,123
Avg. Earnings
48.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Pennsylvania

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 1,548 $37,208 67.0%
2 Rural-Fringe 64 $22,625 76.9%
3 Rural-Fringe 79 $20,698 66.7%
4 Rural-Distant 1,525 $19,173 72.8%
5 Rural-Fringe 719 $7,454 40.9%
6 Rural-Fringe 5,199 $7,561 28.4%
7 Rural-Fringe 4,465 $9,568 28.4%
8 Rural-Fringe 415 $19,450 33.5%
9 Rural-Fringe 160 $9,139 74.2%
10 Rural-Distant 1,051 $20,800 65.9%
11 Rural-Fringe 126 $10,498 89.3%
12 Rural-Fringe 547 $19,993 25.1%
13 Rural-Fringe 423 $19,522 24.4%
14 Rural-Fringe 721 $9,837 16.2%
15 Rural-Fringe 338 $15,775 16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences stand out among rural colleges?

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences commands the highest net price at $37,208 but delivers strong value with graduates earning $69,731 annually. The college maintains a selective 45.7% acceptance rate and achieves a 67% graduation rate, reflecting its focus on preparing healthcare professionals for Pennsylvania's medical sector including major employers like UPMC.

How do Triangle Tech campuses perform compared to other technical schools?

Triangle Tech's Sunbury and Falls Creek campuses excel with graduation rates of 76.9% and 66.7% respectively, despite small enrollments of 64 and 79 students. Both campuses prepare graduates who earn $45,538 annually, demonstrating how focused technical education can deliver strong outcomes in Pennsylvania's manufacturing and trades sectors.

Is community college education affordable in rural Pennsylvania?

Rural Pennsylvania community colleges offer remarkable affordability, with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College costing just $7,454 net and Bucks County Community College at $7,561. These institutions serve thousands of students, with Bucks County enrolling 5,199 students while maintaining graduation rates around 28-40% and preparing graduates for local employment opportunities.

Does Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology offer good value?

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology achieves the highest graduation rate among all rural colleges at 89.3% while maintaining an accessible net cost of $10,498. With 126 enrolled students and an 82.6% acceptance rate, the institute demonstrates how specialized technical training can deliver strong completion rates in rural settings.

Where can students find Penn State programs in rural Pennsylvania?

Penn State operates multiple campuses in rural Pennsylvania, including Mont Alto, New Kensington, and Wilkes-Barre, with net costs ranging from $15,775 to $19,993. These campuses maintain high acceptance rates above 91% and graduates earn $63,435 annually, though graduation rates vary significantly from 16.7% to 33.5% across locations.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.