Pennsylvania is home to over 180 degree-granting colleges and universities. You'll have plenty of quality choices if you choose to pursue a degree in the Keystone State.
The University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Villanova University top our list for the best online colleges in Pennsylvania. These esteemed institutions offer quality online programs that give you flexibility while you jump-start your future.
Whether you want to advance in your current career or transition to a new industry in Pennsylvania, read our list of the best online colleges of 2025 to find the right fit.
Start Your College Journey Now
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania of 2025
Why You Should Get a Degree in Pennsylvania
Offers academic excellence: Pennsylvania hosts many top-ranked universities, including Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, and Carnegie Mellon.
Discover a range of options: Pennsylvania has diverse educational institutions — from liberal arts colleges to research universities.
Increase your income: A worker with a bachelor's degree typically earns about $1.2 million more in a lifetime than a worker with just a high school diploma.
Face lower unemployment rates: With a bachelor's degree, you may see lower unemployment rates than those without one.
Benefits of Getting a Degree Online
Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of online students and program graduates say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI, according to findings from BestColleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report surveys.
97% of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
81% of online student respondents and program graduates say that the online learning environment is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
How Much Does Online College Cost in Pennsylvania?
The cost of tuition in Pennsylvania varies based on different factors, including the type of school (whether public or private) and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.
In-state students at public colleges in Pennsylvania paid an average tuition of $16,217, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Out-of-state students at public colleges typically paid an average of $31,844 in tuition and fees, while those at private schools paid $47,222.
These rates are averages from the 2022-2023 academic year. Your actual tuition rate will depend on the exact school you attend and the year of your attendance. Also, online college is often more affordable than a traditional on-campus education.
Financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships, can offset the cost of tuition. To get access to financial aid, start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you're in school.
Average Tuition & Fees (2022-23)
Public, In-State
$16,217
Public, Out-of-State
$31,844
Private
$47,222
Source: NCES
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
Why should you look for college accreditation before you apply to college? Accreditation ensures the school you're applying to is legitimate and will provide a high-quality education.
Accreditation also impacts your ability to get financial aid and transfer credits you've earned at previous institutions.
Legitimate accrediting agencies have been recognized by the Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredit colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Median Annual Wage 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 42.7% | $127,400 |
| Data Scientists | 32.8% | $100,320 |
| Statisticians | 30.5% | $83,660 |
| Physician Assistants | 28.3% | $124,880 |
| Information Security Analysts | 28% | $110,230 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 27.2% | $103,720 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 22.2% | $75,760 |
| Actuaries | 19.9% | $107,530 |
| Logisticians | 19.6% | $77,740 |
| Software Developers | 19.6% | $123,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
No, Pennsylvania's online colleges are not free. However, the state does feature many affordable schools and programs. Online students can also qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students, reducing study costs considerably.
For example, the PA State Grant alone may cover up to 50% of your costs.
