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Urban Colleges in Pennsylvania

50 schools in Pennsylvania. See our methodology.

Pennsylvania's urban colleges showcase dramatic extremes in both selectivity and outcomes. The University of Pennsylvania accepts just 6.5% of applicants while Temple University welcomes nearly 80%, yet both prepare students for the state's major employment sectors. Carnegie Mellon graduates earn $114,862 annually, reflecting Pittsburgh's growing tech economy anchored by companies like Google and Uber. The 68 urban institutions span from the highly specialized Curtis Institute of Music with 106 students to Penn State's massive 41,862 enrollment. Net costs range from $17,585 at Vet Tech Institute to $39,061 at Franklin and Marshall, though Pennsylvania's state grant program helps reduce financial barriers. Philadelphia dominates the market with major research universities feeding into the city's healthcare systems like UPMC and financial services sector. Pittsburgh's colleges align closely with the region's transformation from steel to technology, while specialized programs at schools like Pennsylvania College of Technology address growing demand in technical fields. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 50.4% to 96.8%, often correlating with admission selectivity and program focus. These urban campuses benefit from internship opportunities at major Pennsylvania employers including Comcast, pharmaceutical giants, and emerging biotech firms. The state's economic shift toward healthcare, finance, and technology creates clear pathways for graduates across different price points and academic profiles.
50
Schools
$24,318
Avg. Net Price
$61,408
Avg. Earnings
62.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Pennsylvania

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 10,768 $31,229 96.8%
2 City-Large 7,187 $31,671 92.5%
3 City-Small 5,803 $33,549 89.2%
4 City-Large 20,189 $30,074 84.3%
5 City-Small 41,862 $32,598 85.7%
6 City-Large 106 94.7%
7 City-Small 94 $22,044 75.0%
8 City-Small 1,904 $39,061 86.0%
9 City-Small 2,157 $32,191 83.4%
10 City-Large 21,249 $29,219 74.7%
11 City-Large 90 $20,789 58.6%
12 City-Large 4,742 $35,487 79.8%
13 City-Large
14 City-Small 4,254 $26,084 50.4%
15 City-Large 199 $17,585 62.6%
16 City-Small 1,449 $9,964 60.0%
17 City-Large 13,509 $38,428 77.1%
18 City-Small 3,589 $30,528 80.8%
19 City-Large 369 92.3%
20 City-Large 5,216 $34,978 75.5%
21 City-Midsize 1,777 $30,314 80.2%
22 City-Large 3,708 $28,163 68.2%
23 City-Large 2,298 $12,251 60.4%
24 City-Small 312 $29,266 63.8%
25 City-Small 2,467 $23,206 69.5%
26 City-Small 1,821 $22,222 72.5%
27 City-Small 1,970 $29,843 71.1%
28 City-Small 205 $24,235 46.8%
29 City-Small 2,042 $28,329 58.5%
30 City-Large 1,252 $25,717 66.2%
31 City-Small 7,554 $20,826 33.6%
32 City-Small 1,837 $24,449 37.7%
33 City-Small 3,338 $8,039 25.6%
34 City-Large 9,305 $8,166 23.4%
35 City-Large 1,966 $21,409 57.9%
36 City-Large 11,312 $13,306 19.7%
37 City-Small 9,802 $12,117 20.5%
38 City-Small 549 $19,826 47.1%
39 City-Small 1,893 $27,700 60.3%
40 City-Small 650 $13,766 43.4%
41 City-Small 1,049 $19,258 59.6%
42 City-Small 1,296 $21,664 42.2%
43 City-Midsize 857 $22,909 58.2%
44 City-Large 120 $10,120 81.6%
45 City-Large 390 $43,369 63.4%
46 City-Small 241 $25,192 60.5%
47 City-Large 2,320 $24,791 59.6%
48 City-Small 1,519 $23,281 60.1%
49 City-Large 1,336 $20,822 55.2%
50 City-Large 789 $12,905 5.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Pennsylvania stand out among urban colleges?

Penn combines the nation's most selective urban admission rate at 6.5% with strong outcomes. Graduates earn $111,371 annually while maintaining a 96.8% graduation rate. The Philadelphia location provides direct access to major financial firms and healthcare systems, making it a pipeline for high-paying careers in Pennsylvania's key industries.

How do Pittsburgh colleges compare to Philadelphia institutions?

Carnegie Mellon leads Pittsburgh colleges with $114,862 graduate earnings and 92.5% graduation rates, reflecting the city's tech boom. University of Pittsburgh offers broader access at 49% acceptance while still producing $66,125 average earnings. Both cities provide strong internship networks, though Pittsburgh emphasizes technology while Philadelphia focuses on finance and healthcare.

Is attending a smaller urban college worth the higher cost?

Franklin and Marshall's $39,061 net cost produces $76,124 graduate earnings with personalized attention for 1,904 students. Compare this to Temple's $29,219 cost serving 21,249 students with $63,727 earnings. Smaller schools often provide better graduation rates and closer industry connections despite higher upfront costs.

Does Pennsylvania offer financial aid for urban college students?

Pennsylvania's state grant program helps reduce costs across urban institutions. Net prices range from $17,585 at technical schools to $39,061 at private colleges. Public options like Temple at $29,219 and Pitt at $30,074 provide middle-ground pricing with strong career outcomes averaging $63,000-$66,000.

What career prospects exist for urban college graduates in Pennsylvania?

Graduate earnings span $34,583 to $138,767, with medical schools like Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine at the top. Pennsylvania's healthcare systems, Comcast's media operations, and growing tech sector in Pittsburgh create varied opportunities. Even technical programs like Vet Tech Institute connect to the state's agricultural and veterinary industries.

Where can students find the best value among urban Pennsylvania colleges?

University of Pittsburgh delivers strong value at $30,074 net cost with $66,125 earnings and 84.3% graduation rates. Temple University offers similar returns at $29,219. For specialized training, Triangle Tech provides focused programs under $23,000 with direct connections to Pennsylvania's manufacturing and technical sectors.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.