The Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
Online colleges in Pennsylvania prepare students for in-demand careers in business, healthcare, technology, and the life sciences.
The Keystone State provides several benefits for college students. The Pennsylvania State Grant Program offers financial aid for undergraduates, including students attending online colleges in PA. Many of the state’s online colleges also offer tuition discounts for fully online learners and in-state students, making a college degree more affordable.
Online learners can pursue degrees in many fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The state’s online program options include nursing degrees and online MBA programs. With a college degree, graduates can qualify for opportunities in many of Pennsylvania’s key industries, including the life sciences, business, and technology.
Our list ranks the best colleges in Pennsylvania with online programs, including public and private colleges and universities. We only include regionally accredited schools in our rankings to ensure the highest educational quality. Prospective applicants can use this list to find the right program for their budget, interests, and career goals.
The Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Drexel University provides one of the best online college experiences available. Remote degrees at graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees at this private school. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Online learners can work with academic and career services professionals located at the Philadelphia campus. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school's internship program helps many students prepare for their future careers. Program graduates obtain a degree with full accreditation.
Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.
Drexel University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,300
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 39
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 25%
Admission Rate: 75%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
- In-State$52,146
- Out-of-state$52,146
- In-State$35,181
- Out-of-state$35,181
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled24,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Saint Joseph's University. Learners can choose from 21 remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level at this private institution. Distance learners appreciate the way the school brings its reputation for academic success to its online programming.
Online learners can benefit from the academic advisors and career services professionals at the Philadelphia campus. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing the program.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Saint Joseph's University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,408
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 15%
Admission Rate: 75%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
- In-State$46,350
- Out-of-state$46,350
- In-State$17,334
- Out-of-state$17,334
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled7,362
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Villanova University is a popular choice among those seeking a degree online. Those who enroll at the private institution remotely have 41 online degrees to choose from at both graduate and undergraduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its Villanova campus. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Program graduates are awarded a degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
Villanova University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,485
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 17
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 25%
Admission Rate: 28%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
- In-State$54,550
- Out-of-state$54,550
- In-State$20,506
- Out-of-state$20,506
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate28%
- Students Enrolled10,848
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Geneva College
- Beaver Falls, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Geneva College. Remote students at both the undergraduate and graduate level have 10 options through this private institution. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
All learners, including those online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Beaver Falls campus. Degree-seekers can connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs, helping set them up for scholastic and professional success. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. Upon completing the program, the college gives graduates an accredited degree.
School representatives can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
Geneva College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 202
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 12%
Admission Rate: 53%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
- In-State$27,670
- Out-of-state$27,670
- In-State$12,042
- Out-of-state$12,042
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled1,432
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Francis University
- Loretto, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Saint Francis University. The school, a private institution, hosts seven programs for remote learners at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for strong academics, making it a popular choice for distance learners.
The academic and career advisors located at the Loretto campus are also available to assist online learners. Degree-seekers can connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and other career-planning events. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in the field. Program graduates receive a degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
Those interested in applying to these online programs should contact the school directly for more information.
Saint Francis University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 982
Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
Online Master's Programs: 6
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 7%
Admission Rate: 75%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
- In-State$36,970
- Out-of-state$36,970
- In-State$25,000
- Out-of-state$25,000
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,930
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Pennsylvania
2022
Online Colleges in Pennsylvania Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyEmployment in Pennsylvania
College graduates benefit from a strong economic outlook in Pennsylvania. The state’s below-average cost of living makes PA an attractive place for businesses and workers. Pennsylvania’s major industries include energy, manufacturing, life sciences, and plastics. Jobs in many of the state’s most common careers require a college degree.
Currently, fewer than 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many of Pennsylvania’s highest-paying jobs require a bachelor’s degree, including careers like financial manager, construction manager, nurse practitioner, or information security analyst. All of these occupations pay average salaries of over $100,000 in Pennsylvania. Earning a college degree is a good way for Pennsylvanians to increase their earning potential and qualify for more jobs.
The highest-paying, fastest-growing careers in Pennsylvania include opportunities in healthcare, management, tech, and criminal justice. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate slightly exceeds the national average, while the average annual wage sits just above the national average.
The following information covers some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Pennsylvania. Salary information refers specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $251,540 | -1% | Doctoral |
| Chief Executives | $227,250 | -1% | Bachelor’s |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $218,310 | 6% | Doctoral |
| Psychiatrists | $214,410 | 12% | Doctoral |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $185,090 | 14% | Master’s |
The following data reflects some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 15,000 professionals in Pennsylvania. Salary figures apply specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data refers to the entire United States.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians | $202,340 | 4% | Doctoral |
| Financial Managers | $153,730 | 15% | Bachelor’s |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $145,460 | 10% | Bachelor’s |
| Lawyers | $139,120 | 4% | Doctoral |
| General and Operations Managers | $131,060 | 6% | Bachelor’s |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
In addition to bachelor’s programs, colleges in PA offer online associate and graduate programs. The switch to online-only education during the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded online options and led to more distance learning opportunities. Online learners at accredited Pennsylvania colleges receive the same high-quality education as those attending on-campus programs.
At the associate level, undergrads can earn degrees in business, engineering, and applied technology. These programs prepare graduates for the workforce or offer transfer credits that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. Pennsylvania’s statewide pathway program allows graduates with associate degrees to apply their credits directly to four-year degrees at other Pennsylvania schools.
At the graduate level, degree-seekers can choose from online options in fields like business, education, and nursing. For example, Penn State offers an online MBA program, and Cal U offers several online master’s programs in nursing.
Online learning appeals to busy students and professionals who are seeking career advancement or changes. Working professionals may prefer the flexibility of an asynchronous learning schedule over attending in-person classes.
Some programs include in-person components, offer hybrid options, or require learners to complete practicum requirements in their local areas. For example, online nursing students and education majors often must meet practicum requirements through nearby hospitals or schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many online colleges in Pennsylvania offer tuition discounts for fully online students and in-state learners, though the after-fees cost can vary. Choosing an online learning format can sometimes save students money, though not always.
- BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY
- CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY
- CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY
- CLARION UNIVERSITY
- EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
- EDINBORO UNIVERSITY
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
- LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY
- MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
- MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY
- SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY
- SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY
- WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
The Pennsylvania colleges with the lowest acceptance rates include University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, and Carnegie Mellon University.
