Higher education remains a solid foundation for career building. However, the challenges that parents and prospective students face—from budget cuts and increasing tuition rates to course shortages — are indeed dream killers.
In Pennsylvania, the education budget is a lot lesser than other states, leaving many colleges and universities confronting a funding crisis and dealing with rising operating costs. Tuition fees are quite high, especially in private, non-profit colleges. Despite all of this, most students are not discouraged from pursuing their chosen degrees.
While traditional schools continue to provide quality education to Pennsylvania residents and beyond, several alternatives have been gaining popularity lately. This includes the rise of online learning. Many colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offer online courses as well as degree programs from different disciplines.
Earning one’s degree online has many advantages. For one, students will be able to finish their degree anytime and anywhere. They do not need to attend classes on-campus, allowing them to cut down on room and board expenses, as well as transportation costs. Being able to take their classes online also means they can juggle their day jobs and college education at the same time. Students have ample opportunities to earn a living and finance their tuition fees while pursuing their dream degree.
Online education also benefits adult learners and working professionals who may want to go back to school and finish their degrees or further their educational attainment to advance their careers. Many students may be hesitant to get their degrees online, but it should be kept in mind that online degrees nowadays have the same quality as their traditional counterparts.
METHODOLOGY
The State of Pennsylvania shows an increasing number of colleges and universities offering high-quality online education. To help prospective online college students in their search for the top-rated schools in the State, the researchers and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com gathered the 5 Top Online Schools in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the finest quality of education they offer. Here are our top considerations for an online school to make it on our list:
- An extensive range of degree program options consisting of a high-quality program curriculum and rigorous coursework,
- An industry-renowned online learning platform that lets distance learners access their coursework easily and get help from a readily available tech support team,
- Faculty members who are considered specialists in their industry or field of study,
- Full accreditation from academic agencies.
If you want to know more about our ranking process, please visit our Methodology Page.
Pennsylvania State University
Ranked among the top one percent of the world’s universities, Pennsylvania State University spreads out to 24 campuses that serve 100,000 students and house 17,000 faculty and staff. The university has continuously brought a positive impact on the community through their teaching, research, and engagement mission.
Some of the university’s strengths include easy access to state-of-the-art resources and interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres. At Pennsylvania State University, students can choose from more than 275 baccalaureate degree programs across a variety of fields, from psychology to atmospheric science and materials engineering. It has a tradition of academic excellence, investment in student success, and commitment to providing unrivaled opportunities.
Aside from its physical campuses, Penn State also nurtures an online school under its wings. The Penn State World Campus is the second largest among the Pennsylvania State University system. It caters to 20,000 students. This campus provides an accessible and quality online education for individuals who seek higher education beyond the traditional campus experience.
In the Penn State World Campus, students have more than 150 degree and certificate programs to choose from, all developed and taught by Penn State faculty. The online programs aim to advance new knowledge, contribute to research, and enable creative expression no matter where students are located. With 100% online degrees, Penn State World Campus students can easily manage their adult responsibilities while balancing work, family, and education.
Their online offerings are academically rigorous and accredited. The curriculum is career-focused and built on the latest industry trends. Students can rest assured that they are receiving a quality education as their courses are taught by renowned faculty members who are field specialists.
Some of the most notable degree programs include Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media, Bachelor of Arts in Energy and Sustainability Policy, and many more.
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- Creation of MyPennState Profile
- High School units of study: English (4 units), Social Studies/Art/Humanities (3 units), Science (3 units), Math (3 units), World Language (2 units)
- Accomplished Online application
- Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
- Official Test Scores from either SAT or ACT
Accreditations:
- Middle States Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Clarks Summit University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1932, Clarks Summit University of Pennsylvania has helped their graduates prepare for their career for more than 80 years. This Christian college offers high-quality academic programs, whether it is for undergraduates or graduates.
The degree offerings guide students in building their foundation for a successful future career. They offer more than 40 undergraduate academic programs, including majors in business and communications, health and sports services, as well as human services, Christian ministries, and education.
Aside from those offered on campus, students can also earn their degrees online. These online programs are ideal for adult learners who do not have the luxury of time to pursue higher education and advance their careers. Through the online programs, they are allowed to keep up with their professional career and development while completing their degrees. The flexibility of schedule and the fact that they can access their coursework anywhere and everywhere is a significant factor that draws many students into online degree programs.
Students have numerous choices at Clarks Summit University, including bachelor’s degrees in Addictions Counseling, Bible and Theology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and so much more.
Location: Clark Summit, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished online form
- Other admission requirements are available when interested students request for information via the website.
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
Point Park University
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Point Park University is a dynamic, private, and urban university committed to higher education. It has an intense focus on student success through distinctive, innovative, and experiential learning. Currently, it has over 70 majors, more than 20 master’s and doctoral degrees, and more than 20 online degrees offered. It is their goal to provide ample opportunities for higher learning and professional development.
At Point Park, students are encouraged to embrace the new ways of thinking while preparing them to advance their career field. For those who want to take advantage of the university’s online programs, they have the option to choose among a variety of online degree programs, all designed with busy professionals in mind. It offers an innovative and convenient method to earn a degree with its flexible format that lets students take their course wherever and whenever it is most suitable for them.
The online programs are just as high-quality as the on-campus offerings. They are also taught by the same competent faculty, ensuring its commitment to academic excellence. Their online program choices include Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, and many more.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative 2.50 academic weighted GPA
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT score – 950; ACT score – a composite of 18)
- Completed application form
- Official high school transcript or GED results
- A personal essay
- Letters of recommendation and resume (optional)
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ABET
- International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education
- National Association of Schools of Dance
University of Pennsylvania
Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania has a proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge. It was established in 1740. Today, it teaches thousands of students from Pennsylvania and beyond. With a total of 4,722 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, making it possible for professors to devote their attention to each student and their unique learning needs.
As a leader in online learning, the University of Pennsylvania provides opportunities for people all over the globe that will help them build professional skills, acquire college credit, and advance their professional careers. There is a range of online options, including credit and non-credit courses and programs. For those who are looking to build a specific skill in a short amount of time, they can try the university’s massive open online course (MOOC). Students who aim to explore deeper into the field of their choice can choose a degree or for-credit certificate instead.
As with other online programs, the online degrees at the University of Pennsylvania are designed in flexible formats, making it accessible and convenient even for those who live out of state or country. Their online options were designed by faculty members who are expert in their fields and have the same weight as those offered on campus. Some programs are offered entirely online while others are in a hybrid format, meaning students may take some of their coursework online while others require their presence on-campus.
Some of the most notable online degrees include Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished application form
- School Report
- Counselor Recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA)
Villanova University
A Roman Catholic Institution of Higher Learning, Villanova University was founded in 1842. Today, it is located in a suburban campus close to Philadelphia. Villanova University provides comprehensive education with roots in liberal arts.
The school offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through their six colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and more. Their degree programs go beyond the traditional on-campus offerings. Students may also avail of their online programs that offer flexibility and convenience.
Whether it is an undergraduate education or a professional certificate that students are looking for, Villanova University has a variety of offerings that will suit their needs. The programs are created for adults whose busy life requires flexible schedules. While there are online courses and hybrid formats offered, it is also possible for students to take some of the degree programs purely online. They can be completed anywhere in the world as long as there is internet access.
Their degree programs are ideal for working professionals who are required by their jobs to travel regularly and those who need to juggle their professional and personal lives along with their educational needs. Developed and taught by Villanova faculty, the degree programs are of the highest quality.
Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- Accomplished application form
- Application essay
- Official high school transcript
- Secondary School Report with school counselor recommendation
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Inc.
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
The state of Pennsylvania is home to a large number of colleges and universities, above the national average for American states. This has also translated into more options for affordable and quality online education, and the good news is that even residents outside of Pennsylvania and outside the country can enjoy the educational quality that institutions in the states can offer through online education.
But what makes getting a degree online such an attractive option for many students these days? The consistent answers one would get would probably be accessibility and affordability. Online education is an innovation that has given chances to students who otherwise would not have been able to enjoy a traditional on-campus education, such as students with disabilities or those with responsibilities at home or work.
The lower tuition rates and fees offered by online colleges and universities is also a major reason. As the cost of living continues to rise, students and households on a budget can significantly benefit from online education. Aside from tuition, the other expenses entailed by on-campus schooling can also become a burden to financially struggling students. Parking, transportation, housing, and outside meals are just some of the additional expenses that can be eliminated by opting for online education.
It’s not difficult to see why online education is booming. And with this boom, we can also expect online education providers to innovate their services further, to bring the best educational experience to more and more students via the Internet.
METHODOLOGY
The perfect online school in Pennsylvania that offers great degree program options can be quite difficult to find—and so are budget-friendly online degree schools! Because we know affordability is a top factor for choosing your online academic institution, we have prepared a list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Pennsylvania.
This list features high-quality distance learning schools that don’t break the bank and provide a wealth of financial aid options.
Lancaster Bible College
With a population of around 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students, Lancaster Bible College (LBC) may be on the smaller side, but it benefits from a 15 to 1 student-faculty ratio that can provide a more in-depth educational experience to its students. Despite starting as a bible college, LBC has expanded in recent years and now has eight departments offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, seminary-related master’s degrees, and accelerated and online programs.
LBC’s fully online bachelor’s degree programs let students customize their schedules and allow them to take one six-week course at a time for better focus. Twelve options are available, with both Christian-centric programs such as Biblical Studies and Ministry Leadership and more general options like Marketing, Business Administration, Communication, and Accounting, and can be taken by students from any U.S. state or territory. The College also has a unique Life Experience Credits perk that allows students to earn free college credits for their life experiences that can be considered as prior learning.
As for tuition and fees, online degrees cost an affordable $440 per credit hour, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Grants, scholarships, student loans, and veteran benefits are also offered to qualified online students.
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- official electronic high school, college transcript or GED scores
- CLEP / AP exam results (no minimum score indicated)
- Christian ministry reference
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- The Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COMSA)
Central Penn College
Central Penn College (CPC) was originally a business college founded in 1881 that began transitioning into a college offering a wider variety of options in 1977. Later on, in 2004, online and blended courses became available at Central Penn, in addition to their on-campus associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
The College also prides itself in the high rate of CPC graduates who manage to get employed in the field or industry of their choice or pursue further education. It also offers a one-of-a-kind free housing initiative for qualified on-campus students to help with financial costs.
Presently, all thirty-one of its programs are available online or via a hybrid delivery option. CPC offers master’s degrees in Organizational Development and Financial Analysis, while its Bachelor of Science degrees include Legal Studies, Banking & Finance, Corporate Communications, Accounting, and Information Technology, to name a few. Associate degrees in Science and Applied Science, plus a Phlebotomy Technician post-secondary certificate program are also offered. Central Penn’s tuition cost is at $494 per credit hour, and a fifteen-credit term is at $7,410. Graduate fees are at $672 per credit hour.
Location: Summerdale, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- official high school diploma, transcripts a GED or a homeschooling certificate
- other additional requirements vary depending on the degree
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE)
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), American Bar Association (ABA)
Peirce College
Peirce College’s beginnings can be traced back to 1865 when it was established as the Union Business College, which aimed to provide business education to Civil War soldiers after the end of the war. Its name was changed to Peirce School in 1964, after its founder Thomas May Peirce, and then later into Peirce College in 1997.
Now, the college is known for its focus on adult learners. As part of its commitment to accessibility, Peirce College began its venture into online education in 2000. It offers a variety of formats for its adult learners; options include fully online programs, hybrid programs, a self-paced competency-based education, and an intensive program.
Peirce has been acknowledged as one of the best online colleges in terms of value, with its in-state tuition estimated to range from $8,900 to $13,000 a year and its per credit hour fee at $578. Its most popular majors are its business and paralegal offerings, while other options include healthcare-related degrees, Accounting, Information Technology, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Human Resources. Master’s and certificate programs are also part of their online catalog. An assortment of financial aid is available, while Peirce is also considered one of the most military-friendly colleges due to its various benefits for veteran students.
Location: Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- high school diploma or GED equivalent
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Clarion University of Pennsylvania has received multiple rankings and accolades from various institutions throughout the years. It ranked 13th in Study.com’s Top 50 Finance Schools, and its nursing school has been deemed one of the best in the country by RNCareers.org, while also being recognized as one of the safest colleges in America by the National Council for Home Safety and Security in 2020.
Clarion Online, its online learning division, has likewise placed in multiple lists, including two Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania and Best Online Undergraduate Business Programs rankings; its online Accounting program was also tagged as the 7th most affordable option nationwide. Its online bachelor’s degree options include BA in Sociology and Psychology, BS in Business Administration in various concentrations, and BS in Liberal Studies with up to eleven concentrations and minors, plus health-related degrees. Certificates, associate degrees, graduate degrees, special programs, and one doctorate are also offered by Clarion Online.
Despite the recognition, Clarion remains one of the best value options in the state of Pennsylvania when it comes to online education. Pennsylvania residents enjoy a low rate of $409.20 per credit hour, while a little increase applies to students from outside the state at $461.20 per credit hour. One online term will cost in-state students around $9,829, and non-Pennsylvania residents, $11,108.
Location: Clarion, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- SAT / ACT scores (no minimum score indicated)
- official high school transcript or GED
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania, also commonly referred to as IUP, is a public university home to over 12,000 students and 700 staff members. It began as a regular school for teachers in 1871, but IUP now boasts an excellent selection of more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree offerings under its eight schools and colleges.
Aside from its extensive degree offerings, IUP also recently ranked 8th in Best Value School’s 2020 list of Best Value Online Schools in Pennsylvania, as its annual tuition average for in-state students rarely go beyond $10,000. PayScale also named it one of the best universities in terms of return on investment. One online course composed of three credits is around $1,137 for in-state students, which would place IUP’s rate at roughly $379 per credit hour, and $2,750 for those residing outside Pennsylvania.
Students can take a fully online associate’s or bachelor’s degree in General Studies, with an assortment of concentrations. Meanwhile, graduate degree options are Adult and Community Education, Art, Criminology, Food and Nutrition, and Mathematics. Hybrid or blended programs are also available for those willing to occasionally attend on-campus sessions.
Location: Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Admission Requirements:
- SAT score of 1050 or higher / ACT composite score of 22 or higher
- cumulative high school GPA of 3.39 higher is recommended but not required
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)
- American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation
- Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC) of ABET
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
