Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Discover the best online colleges in Pennsylvania, along with fast-growing careers in the state and scholarships to pay for your degree.
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Updated October 3, 2023

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Pennsylvania blends charming nature and rural areas with bustling cities and proximity to major economic centers. You might choose to attend a Pennsylvania college for its world-class academics, a small student-to-faculty ratio, or an online university's 100% acceptance rate.

Online colleges in Pennsylvania give you the flexibility to earn a degree on your own terms. Choosing an online college can help you launch a lucrative professional career without sacrificing family or work obligations.

The best online colleges in Pennsylvania boast exceptional faculty, strong academics, diverse degree paths, and low tuition.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Students From PA Explore These Programs

These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.

Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Read About Our Methodology

#1 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Seton Hill University

  • Greensburg, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Seton Hill University ranks among the best online schools. At the accredited school, distance learners can enroll in two online bachelor's programs. The institution's distance learning courses currently experience an online enrollment of 725 students.

Getting to complete coursework from anywhere is just one benefit of an online degree's virtual classroom environment. Programs often let students meet any in-person requirements, such as an internship or clinical practicum, in their local area, and the school may even help arrange it. Online learners benefit from student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. The institution provides graduates with many experiential learning opportunities in preparation for the workforce.

The school's students can earn their online degree at an affordable tuition rate. Qualified online students at the accredited institution may meet the criteria for financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,306
Out-of-state
$36,306
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,652
Out-of-state
$14,652
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
2,073
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

  • Slippery Rock, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Distance learners at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania receive the same education as on-campus students. Enrollees at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, a public school, can earn one of 21 online degrees. Online learners can pursue some of the nation’s top-ranked programs at the institution. The school offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students choose online learning for various reasons.

The benefits of online learning at the school include conveniently recorded lectures and financial aid options. Students transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Degree-seekers strengthen their applications with optional test scores. One of the nation’s best schools for e-learning, the school has a 71% admission rate. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a third-party accrediting body.

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

School Status: Public

Total Online Students Enrolled: 2,937

Programs Available Online: 21

Total Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 3

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,716/year in-state, $11,574/year out-of-state

Rate of Admission: 71%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$11,574
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$13,932
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
8,778
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Penn State World Campus

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online

Penn State World Campus is a four-year public school located in Pennsylvania. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Students enroll in 207 online programs. Students receive a comprehensive education in the liberal arts and professional studies. Students can pursue degrees in a variety of majors.

Professors blend theoretical learning and practical experience such as internships and fieldwork. Online learners may need to complete limited on-campus residencies. Students do not need to visit the campus for most online degrees. Faculty integrate real-world experiences in the curriculum. Online students receive assistance such as tutoring in various subjects. Prospective students can expect a 76% acceptance rate at Penn State World Campus. Enrollees afford their degrees with competitive tuition rates and financial aid. The school charges the same tuition rate for nonresidents and residents.

The school holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,484
Out-of-state
$13,484
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,682
Out-of-state
$21,682
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Cairn University

  • Langhorne, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Cairn University offers a catalog of 52 affordable online programs. Working professionals can continue their careers as they earn four bachelor's programs and 12 online degrees. Busy professionals like online schools for flexible learning. E-learners receive a rigorous education through top-ranked academics at the school. Nontraditional learners complete a four-year bachelor’s degree faster with transfer credits. Students can pursue master’s programs in a variety of fields. Graduate programs may require students complete practicum or field experience in the community.

Students attend the school for affordability. The admissions department requires school transcripts. Cairn University maintains accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Cairn University Statistics:

On-Campus and Online Programs: 52

Total Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 4

Master’s Available Online: 12

Price of Tuition for Undergraduates: $28,328

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,328
Out-of-state
$28,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,762
Out-of-state
$12,762
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
1,221
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

DeSales University

  • Center Valley, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students can pursue affordable degrees at DeSales University. The school, located in Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive catalog of programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Degree-seekers receive preparation for entry-level jobs and career advancement. The school offers enrollment flexibility. Programs feature asynchronous curricula and prioritize flexibility for students. Students complete hybrid degrees with a blend of online and traditional face-to-face instruction. Online sessions can offer personalized learning.

Students afford their education with affordable tuition and generous financial aid.

DeSales University Fast Facts:

Status of School: Private

Online Enrollment: 1,240

Programs Available Online: 46

Total Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 11

Percentage of Degree-Seekers Receiving Aid: 100%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,200
Out-of-state
$37,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,520
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
3,460
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Price Check

The average four-year tuition at a public college in Pennsylvania was $14,530 in 2021. That's nearly $5,000 more than the national average.

Cost of Living in Pennsylvania

The cost of living in Pennsylvania is lower than the national average, ranking 27th out of 50 states on the 2022 MERIC cost of living index. Of course, the cost of living varies by city, region, and lifestyle.

Bureau of Economic Analysis 2021 data shows that the average total personal expenditure in Pennsylvania was $49,040. The cost of living in Pennsylvania for students is even lower.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of room and board for Pennsylvania students is $11,510 for students at a public college and $14,430 for students at a private college. You can keep your total cost of living low by using student discounts, student transportation, campus health services, and sharing an apartment with roommates.

Average Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living Category Average Price
Monthly Mortgage $1,569
Monthly Rent $1,036
Monthly Electricity Bill $117
Monthly Grocery & Food Costs $278
Annual Transportation Costs $4,470
Annual Healthcare Costs $8,641
Source: SoFi

Pennsylvania Scholarships

Students in Pennsylvania have a vast array of specialized scholarships available to them. You can use scholarships to fund online education if the college is accredited and meets the scholarship's other requirements. Here are five scholarships to get you started.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania

Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Pennsylvania require specialized training to launch a career. An online degree can give you the practical education you need to enter these industries.

The list includes several jobs in medicine and information technology. Careers like statisticians, physician's assistants, and physical therapists assistance are not only fast-growing but pay well above the national average.

According to BLS data, the median pay for statisticians was $99,960 in 2022. Physician assistants made a median salary of $126,010, and epidemiologists earned a median of $78,520. Software developers earned a median of $124,200.

Fast-Growing Careers in Pennsylvania 2020-2030
Job Projected Growth
Statisticians 37%
Physical Therapist Assistants 35%
Physician Assistants 34%
Epidemiologists 33%
Medical & Health Services Managers 33%
Nurse Practitioners 33%
Occupational Therapy Assistants 33%
Information Security Analysts 33%
Software Developers & QA Analysts 28%
Speech-Language Pathologists 27%
Source: Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Online Colleges


What is the cheapest online college in Pennsylvania?

According to the NCES, Peirce College is the cheapest online college in Pennsylvania, with an average annual net price of $9,621. Located in Philadelphia, Peirce College offers over 30 degrees and certificates 100% online, including 13 bachelor's degrees.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Pennsylvania?

Peirce College is the easiest college to get into in Pennsylvania. With a 100% acceptance rate, Peirce has several 100% online degree programs. You can choose from seven associate degrees, 13 bachelor's degrees, and nine master's degrees online.

How much does online college cost in Pennsylvania?

The average undergraduate tuition and fees for a public university in Pennsylvania is $14,530, according to the NCES. For out-of-state students, the average costs jump to $25,700.

How much it costs to attend an online college in Pennsylvania depends on the university. Usually, online tuition prices are comparable to attending on campus. However, at some colleges, it may be slightly less. Keep in mind that there are different financial aid opportunities and fees for online students.

Is online college free in Pennsylvania?

Online college in Pennsylvania isn't free. However, there are many free online learning resources and affordable online college options in Pennsylvania.

In addition, while attending online classes at an accredited college or university, you could be eligible for scholarships, grants, or government financial aid.

Do I need to be a resident of Pennsylvania to attend an online college in Pennsylvania?

You don't have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to attend Pennsylvania colleges online. However, many colleges charge higher out-of-state tuition, even for online students. You can compare tuition for online Pennsylvania colleges to find the best option for you.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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