Pennsylvania is a diverse and vibrant state in the northeastern U.S., known for its Appalachian Mountains, fertile valleys, and major rivers that fuel its economy.
Once an industrial powerhouse, the state now thrives in healthcare, technology, finance, energy, and agriculture.
Its higher education system is nationally recognized, featuring top universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State, a strong public university network, and accessible community colleges. With generous state grants and scholarship opportunities, Pennsylvania offers students affordable pathways to quality education, including flexible online degree programs.
This guide is here to help you explore Pennsylvania’s unique opportunities, from understanding its economic landscape to discovering affordable online degree programs and financial aid options that can fuel your success.
In this guideTuition and Fees in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s higher education system is led by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), with 10 public universities offering affordable programs for residents. The state also features Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, and a strong network of community colleges.
Community Colleges & Technical Colleges
Community College of Allegheny County offers the lowest tuition is $7,560. The average cost across 12 schools is $12,280, with the highest tuition reaching $30,900 at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Associate degree programs in Pennsylvania
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Delivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $126 in-state | $378 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $7560 in-state | $22680 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 17
Learn more: Program detailsDelaware County Community College
Media, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $136 in-state | $408 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $8160 in-state | $24480 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsWestmoreland County Community College
Youngwood, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $143 in-state | $420 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $8580 in-state | $25200 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 17
Learn more: Program detailsCommunity College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $159 in-state | $477 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $9,540 - $29,574
Credits: 60-62
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsLehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $164 in-state | $493 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $9840 in-state | $29580 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsMontgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $166 in-state | $498 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $9,960 - $30,378
Credits: 60-61
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsNorthampton Community College
Bethlehem, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $169 in-state | $506 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $10,140 - $35,420
Credits: 60-70
Number of degree programs: 30
Learn more: Program detailsBucks County Community College
Newtown, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $170 in-state | $250 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $10200 in-state | $15000 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 26
Learn more: Program detailsLuzerne County Community College
Nanticoke, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $188 in-state | $563 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $11280 in-state | $33780 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania Highlands Community College
Johnstown, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $244 in-state | $458 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $14,640 - $29,770
Credits: 60-65
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsReading Area Community College
Reading, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $276 in-state | $535 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $16560 in-state | $32100 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $515 in-state | $515 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $30900 in-state | $30900 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Public and Private Institutions
A Bachelor’s degree has a very wide range in tuition. The most affordable option is at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology for $19,000. The average tuition across 34 schools is $107,759, but the cost can go as high as an astonishing $473,482 at Villanova University.
Bachelor’s degree programs in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
Total tuition per credit: $19,000
Credits: 50
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 - $328
Total tuition per credit: $38,640 - $39,360
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: leiboff@kutztown.edu
Learn more: Program detailsSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 - $328
Total tuition per credit: $38,640 - $39,360
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsMillersville University
Millersville, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $403 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $38,640 in-state | $48,360 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsCairn University-Langhorne
Langhorne, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $425
Total tuition per credit: $51,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsChatham University
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $479
Total tuition per credit: $57,480
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania Western University
California, Clarion, and Edinboro, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $482 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $38,640 in-state | $57,840 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program detailsImmaculata University
Immaculata, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $465
Total tuition per credit: $58,590
Credits: 126
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsGeneva College
Beaver Falls, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $499
Total tuition per credit: $59,880
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsKeystone College
La Plume, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $500
Total tuition per credit: $60,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $515
Total tuition per credit: $61,800
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsEastern University
St. Davids, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $566
Total tuition per credit: $67,920
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsAlvernia University
Reading, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $640 - $650
Total tuition per credit: $78,720 - $79,950
Credits: 123
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsSeton Hill University
Greensburg, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $661
Total tuition per credit: $79,320
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsThomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $663 - $1,508
Total tuition per credit: $79,560 - $180,960
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsWidener University
Chester, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $689
Total tuition per credit: $82,680 - $83,369
Credits: 120-121
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $694
Total tuition per credit: $83,220
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsPenn State World Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $698
Total tuition per credit: $83,760
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsIndiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $518 in-state | $719 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $62,100 - $86,220
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsMisericordia University
Dallas, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $715
Total tuition per credit: $86,515
Credits: 121
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsDeSales University
Center Valley, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $775
Total tuition per credit: $93,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $805 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $38,640 in-state | $96,600
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsDrexel University
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $488 - $507
Total tuition per credit: $58,560 - $96,837
Credits: 120-191
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsMarywood University
Scranton, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $815
Total tuition per credit: $97,800
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 5
Learn more: Program detailsArcadia University
Glenside, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $830
Total tuition per credit: $99,600
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Pennsylvania features renowned private universities such as Villanova, Duquesne, and Bucknell, known for small class sizes and specialized programs.
Although tuition is often higher than at public institutions, substantial scholarships and financial aid make these schools more accessible.
For a Master’s degree, the lowest tuition is $19,500 at Keystone College. The average cost for a master’s program is $42,367 across 39 schools, with the highest tuition being $98,040 at Temple University.
Master’s degree programs in Pennsylvania
Keystone College
La Plume, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $650
Total tuition per credit: $19,500
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $608
Total tuition per credit: $20,672
Credits: 34
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsWest Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $526
Total tuition per credit: $15,780 - $22,618
Credits: 30-43
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsHarrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $650
Total tuition per credit: $23,400
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsImmaculata University
East Whiteland Township, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $500 - $710
Total tuition per credit: $15,000 - $23,430
Credits: 30-33
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsWilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $751 - $825
Total tuition per credit: $22,530 - $24,750
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsMillersville University
Millersville, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $603 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $15,480 in-state | $25,929 out-of-state
Credits: 30-43
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsChatham University
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $575 - $880
Total tuition per credit: $17,250 - $26,400
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsCairn University-Langhorne
Langhorne, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $300-$725
Total tuition per credit: $10,800 - $30,450
Credits: 36-42
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsDeSales University
Center Valley, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $875
Total tuition per credit: $26,250 - $31,500
Credits: 30-36
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsPennsylvania Western University
California, Clarion, and Edinboro, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $526 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $15,480 - $31,560
Credits: 30-60
Number of degree programs: 25
Learn more: Program detailsRobert Morris University
Moon Township, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $730 - $1,105
Total tuition per credit: $21,900 - $33,150
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 12
Learn more: Program detailsMarywood University
Scranton, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $925
Total tuition per credit: $27,750 - $33,300
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsArcadia University
Glenside, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $765 - $855
Total tuition per credit: $22,950 - $33,345
Credits: 30-39
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsYork College of Pennsylvania
York, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $695
Total tuition per credit: $20,850 - $33,360
Credits: 30-48
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program detailsMisericordia University
Dallas, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $860
Total tuition per credit: $30,960 - $33,540
Credits: 36-39
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsEastern University
St. Davids, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $300 - $840
Total tuition per credit: $9,000 - $33,600
Credits: 30-40
Number of degree programs: 24
Learn more: Program detailsCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $568 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $15,480 - $34,080
Credits: 30-60
Number of degree programs: 17
Learn more: Program detailsSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $568 out-of-state
Total tuition per credit: $15,480 - $34,080
Credits: 30-60
Number of degree programs: 35
Learn more: Program detailsPoint Park University
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $842
Total tuition per credit: $30,312 -$35,364
Credits: 36-42
Number of degree programs: 17
Learn more: Program detailsElizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $525 - $695
Total tuition per credit: $15,750 - $41,700
Credits: 30-60
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsGrove City College
Grove City, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,130 - $1,505
Total tuition per credit: $33,900 - $45,150
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsThomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $845 - $1,234
Total tuition per credit: $25,350 - $45,658
Credits: 37
Number of degree programs: 29
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $959
Total tuition per credit: $38,360 - $46,032
Credits: 48
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaDelivery method: Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $500 - $1,279
Total tuition per credit: $15,000 - $46,044
Credits: 30-36
Number of degree programs: 19
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Statewide Initiatives in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State Grant Program – One of the largest need-based student aid programs in the country, offering grants to Pennsylvania residents to make college more affordable.
- Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) – Provides funding for students pursuing short-term programs in high-demand fields such as energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) – A statewide resource that helps students seamlessly transfer credits between Pennsylvania colleges and universities.
- Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) – A merit-based scholarship program for high-achieving students with financial need, designed to reduce the cost of tuition at Pennsylvania institutions.
- Pennsylvania Workforce Development Grants – State-funded grants supporting career-focused training programs aligned with industry needs, helping students transition quickly into the workforce.
- Dual Enrollment Program – Allows high school students to take college courses at reduced tuition rates, earning credits before graduation.
- State System’s Degree Completion Pathways – Flexible online and hybrid options offered through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to help adult learners and transfer students finish their degrees.
Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition
One of the biggest advantages of earning an online degree is avoiding the high costs of on-campus housing, but it’s still essential to plan for other expenses.
- Room & Board: Housing costs in Pennsylvania vary greatly, with higher rates in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and more affordable options in rural areas. Online students can save by avoiding on-campus or urban housing.
- Books & Supplies: Expect to spend $1,000–$1,500 annually on textbooks and materials. Renting, buying used, or opting for digital resources can help cut costs.
- Transportation: Costs depend on location—urban students may use public transit, while rural students often rely on cars. Online learners typically only budget for occasional campus visits.
- Pell Grant Eligibility: Based on FAFSA results, the Federal Pell Grant helps Pennsylvania students cover education costs. Apply early to maximize aid opportunities.
State-Funded Grants & Scholarships
Pennsylvania provides various state-funded grants and scholarships to help students afford college, with options available for both public and private institutions.
- FAFSA: To qualify for state or federal aid, students must first complete the FAFSA, with most institutions setting an early spring priority deadline for the upcoming academic year.
- Pennsylvania State Grant Program – A need-based grant for Pennsylvania residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at approved institutions, helping reduce tuition costs.
- Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) – A merit-based award for high-achieving students with financial need, designed to make higher education in Pennsylvania more affordable.
- Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) – Provides funding for students enrolling in short-term programs in high-demand fields like energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant – Financial assistance for Pennsylvania students who are legally blind or deaf to support their college education.
- Part-Time Grant Program – Offers prorated Pennsylvania State Grant funds for students enrolled less than full-time but at least half-time in eligible degree programs.
- Chafee Education and Training Grant (ETG) – Grants for Pennsylvania students who are or were in foster care, helping cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP) – Tuition assistance for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who commit to a service obligation after graduation.
- Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program – Waives tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students who were in foster care at age 16 or older and are enrolled at Pennsylvania public institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest online colleges in Pennsylvania?
Some of the most affordable online colleges in Pennsylvania include the Community College of Allegheny County, with online associate degree tuition as low as $7,560, and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, offering bachelor’s programs starting at $19,000.
Can I get state financial aid for online degrees in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Online students in Pennsylvania can apply for state-funded programs such as the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, Ready to Succeed Scholarship, and the Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) to lower tuition costs.
How much does an online degree cost in Pennsylvania?
On average, online associate degrees in Pennsylvania cost about $12,280, bachelor’s degrees average $107,759, and master’s programs average $42,367. Private universities tend to have higher tuition but may offer substantial financial aid.
Are Pennsylvania online students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant?
Yes. Pennsylvania residents enrolled in online degree programs can qualify for the Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. Applying early improves your chances of receiving the maximum award.
What is PASSHE and why is it important for affordable education in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is a network of 10 public universities offering low-cost tuition for in-state students, including online and hybrid degree programs.