Pennsylvania blends charming nature and rural areas with bustling cities and proximity to major economic centers. You might attend a Pennsylvania college for its world-class academics, small student-to-faculty ratio, or high acceptance rate.
Online colleges in Pennsylvania allow you to earn a degree on your 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 have exceptional faculty, strong academics, diverse degree options, and low tuition.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Temple University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs online. Classes may be asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid. Online attendees pay the same tuition rate whether they live in state or out of state, but tuition costs vary based on the program and whether the student is full time or part time.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $690-$1,138
Out of State | $690-$1,138
Why Students Choose Temple:
- Accelerated Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs may offer accelerated options. Accelerated bachelor's programs can be completed within three years.
- Holistic Admissions: The school considers applicants holistically, taking grades, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation into account.
- No Scholarship Application: Students who apply by February 1 receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Complicated Costs: Tuition rates vary based on department and degree program.
- Limited Choices: Temple offers less than 10 online bachelor's degree programs, including six bachelor of business administration specializations.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Drexel University provides a wide variety of online learning options with more than 150 degree and certificate programs available 100% online. Students can also pursue online minors related or unrelated to their majors. Veterans, Drexel alumni, and employees of corporate partners can receive reduced tuition rates.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $985-$1,830
Out of State | $985-$1,830
Why Students Choose Drexel:
- Transfer Credits: Undergraduates can transfer up to 90 credits for online degree programs. Credits must come from an accredited institution, and students must have earned a grade of C or higher.
- Graduate Success: Drexel reports that 96% of undergraduate alumni start working or pursuing additional education.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Program Requirements: Online programs have varied admission requirements, including a minimum amount of transfer credits and a minimum cumulative GPA.
- Tuition Differences: In-person and online students pay different tuition rates. In-person attendees pay per semester, while online attendees pay per credit.
- Counseling Services: Only in-person students can utilize the school's telehealth counseling services.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Online
What Sets It Apart:
Pennsylvania State University World Campus offers more than 200 online degree and certificate programs, including 41 bachelor's and 56 master's degrees. Programs can be completed fully online and have asynchronous curriculums. Undergraduate degree programs have a flat tuition rate, while graduate tuition varies by program.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $7,755
Out of State | $7,755
Why Students Choose Penn State World Campus:
- Student Interactions: Online courses promote discussions among classmates through discussion boards, chats, and emails.
- Direct Major Admission: Applicants who meet program requirements and course prerequisites can enter their chosen major directly.
- Online Resources: Attendees can utilize student services, including academic advising, through email, phone, or instant messaging.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Tiered Tuition: Undergraduate students with over 60 credits must pay a higher tuition rate than individuals with 59 credits or less.
- Graduate Scholarships: The school does not provide scholarship opportunities for online graduate students. Only online undergraduates qualify for scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
At the University of Pennsylvania, students can choose from 13 online degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs. Coursework is generally asynchronous, but some classes require synchronous sessions. Programs have full-time and part-time options, and some graduate programs may be completed in only 10 months.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $10,064
Out of State | $10,064
Why Students Choose Penn:
- Course Materials: Courses may provide learning materials to students through an online portal. Penn's bookstore may also have digital copies of required textbooks.
- Student Resources: Online attendees can access tutoring, academic advising, and career support services.
- Transfer Credits: Undergraduates can transfer up to 50% of their required credits.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Bachelor's Degree: The school offers only one online bachelor's program: the bachelor of applied arts and sciences. In this program, students select a concentration instead of a major.
- Distance Education Fee: Remote learners must pay an additional online fee of $156 per course.
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Slippery Rock University offers eight undergraduate degree completion programs and 40 graduate degree programs entirely online. The school offers degrees in many fields, including a fully asynchronous master of public health and an online accelerated MBA. Online programs charge per credit based on residency status.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $374-$621
Out of State | $390-$693
Why Students Choose SRU:
- Scholarship Offerings: SRU and its partners provide many scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Automatic Acceptance: First-year applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher receive automatic acceptance into SRU.
- Assigned Advisors: Undergraduate students automatically receive an assigned academic advisor based on the student's major.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Program Requirements: Bachelor's programs may require applicants to hold an associate degree or transfer at least 30 credits.
- Lack of Certification Information: Online master of education programs may offer endorsements and certifications. However, students must contact their state's Department of Education office to determine transferability.
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Students can choose from hybrid and fully online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs at Villanova University. During the fall and spring semesters, students can enroll in accelerated courses, which combine online classwork, activities, and assignments into seven-week courses. Full-time undergraduate students pay a flat per-semester rate.
Cost per Semester:
In State | $33,419
Out of State | $33,419
Why Students Choose Villanova:
- Application Options: First-year students have four application choices, including binding and non-binding options. Each plan has its own application deadline and response timeline.
- Transfer Credits: Bachelor's enrollees can transfer up to 90 credits from another accredited institution. Students must have earned a grade of C or higher for credits to transfer.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Lack of Program Variety: Villanova offers more associate and bachelor's programs online than graduate degrees.
- Attendance Policy: Attendance policies may apply to online students depending on their program.
- Withdrawal Costs: Enrollees only have 24 hours to withdraw from an accelerated course without paying a fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
DeSales University
- Center Valley, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
DeSales University offers online bachelor's and master's degree programs in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid formats. The school also offers multiple accelerated programs, including bachelor's degrees in accounting, business administration, and marketing. Most online programs charge a flat per-credit tuition rate.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $575
Out of State | $575
Why Students Choose DeSales:
- Prior Learning Credits: Students can earn course credits for prior learning through various methods, including military training, examinations, and portfolio assessments.
- Academic Success Center: The academic success center at Desales provides professional and peer tutoring for both on-campus and online attendees.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Class Audit Fee: Attendees may need to pay $270 per credit to audit an online course.
- Adult Admission Requirements: DeSales considers online bachelor's programs to be adult studies programs. Applicants must have graduated high school at least five years ago, have a full-time career, or be a veteran.
- Few Scholarship Choices: DeSales provides nine scholarships for undergraduate students. Scholarships may have niche criteria, such as being a graduate of a Catholic high school or a choir participant.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Thomas Jefferson University offers 10 online bachelor's and 26 master's and doctoral programs. Programs may be available in accelerated formats, including an MBA program that can be completed in only one year. Online undergraduate students pay a per-credit rate.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $650
Out of State | $650
Why Students Choose Jefferson:
- Concentration Choices: Students in certain degree programs can choose from a list of concentrations or create their own custom concentrations. Custom concentrations can utilize courses in any program but must be approved by a program director.
- Online Assistance: Online students can work with the school's advising team to create their schedules and set personal goals.
- Elective Opportunities: Bachelor's programs may allow nearly 50% of credits to be elective credits, allowing students to pursue courses that further their educational goals and interests.
Know Before You Enroll:
- GPA Requirements: Graduate programs may require applicants to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Career Services Specialization: Jefferson's Center for Career Success focuses on helping individuals in the healthcare industry. Students in other majors may have less support.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
- Harrisburg, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has nine online bachelor's and master's degree programs, including a bachelor's-to-master's nursing program. Full-time and part-time online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $380
Out of State | $380
Why Students Choose HU:
- STEM Focus: HU's online school concentrates on STEM majors, including cybersecurity, esports management, and healthcare informatics.
- Tutoring Assistance: Attendees can receive 24-7 online tutoring to ask questions, study with friends, or receive assignment feedback.
- Hands-On Experience: Programs may offer hands-on experiences. For example, the bachelor's in esports management helps students connect with teams, organizations, and event venues.
Know Before You Enroll:
- First-Year Admission Requirements: First-year undergraduate applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Tuition Rates: HU excludes online programs from receiving partnership program discounts or scholarships. The school states that 100% of in-person attendees receive a scholarship.
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Robert Morris University
- Moon Township, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
What Sets It Apart:
Robert Morris University offers four undergraduate and 13 graduate degrees online. The school also has one accelerated dual-degree option: an MBA and Master of Science in Nursing program that teaches nursing leadership and business theories. Online students pay a per-credit tuition rate.
Cost per Credit:
In State | $685-$875
Out of State | $685-$875
Why Students Choose RMU:
- Dedicated Support: Online students receive a dedicated student counselor and an academic advisor.
- Program Variety: RMU offers programs in a variety of fields, including cybersecurity, organizational leadership, applied artificial intelligence, and marketing.
- Asynchronous Programs: Some online programs offer entirely asynchronous coursework. Attendees may still have opportunities to network with classmates and professors.
Know Before You Enroll:
- GPA Preferences: RMU gives preference to first-year students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Those applicants may receive direct admission into their program.
- Lack of Scholarships: Online attendees do not qualify for the school's merit scholarships.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
The average four-year tuition and fees at public colleges in Pennsylvania was $16,217 as of the 2022-2023 academic year. That's nearly $6,500 higher than the national average.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Pennsylvania
The healthcare and engineering industries are two of Pennsylvania's fastest-growing sectors. Both sectors offer multiple fast-growing careers, including neurologists, marine engineers, and radiologists.
The state may require additional professionals in these industries due to the aging of baby boomers and state infrastructure. The chart below demonstrates the careers with the highest projected growth rate from 2023-2033.
Fast-Growing Jobs In Pennsylvania
| Job |
Projected Growth (2023-2033) |
Annual Mean Wage in PA (May 2024) |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects |
45% |
N/A |
| Neurologists |
42% |
$166,250 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists |
35% |
$91,970 |
| Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants |
34% |
$71,720 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians |
33% |
$70,370 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians |
32% |
$55,450 |
| Special Education Teachers |
31% |
$76,390 |
| Radiologists |
29% |
$376,520 |
| Nurse Midwives |
26% |
$109,510 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
26% |
$323,590 |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Pennsylvania's Job Market
Attendees can pursue popular Pennsylvania careers by studying relevant topics. The list of majors below may help teach students essential skills for fast-growing career paths.
-
Biology
Biology majors explore topics like anatomy, chemistry, and immunology. Graduates can use their knowledge to pursue MD degrees. Medical experts can specialize in multiple healthcare careers, including neurologist and obstetrician.
-
Nursing
Nursing programs may teach general education, chemistry, and healthcare courses. Graduates may qualify for licensing exams to become registered nurses (RNs). Qualified RNs pursue various certifications based on their personal and professional interests.
-
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering programs cover various aircraft designs, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and spacecraft. Attendees study engineering and technology principles, including aerodynamics, structural mechanics, and energy propulsion.
-
Special Education
Enrollees learn about human development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques for special education students. Learners may pursue programs that include hands-on experience with local students. Graduates may qualify for licensure, depending on the program.
What Is the Cost of College in Pennsylvania?
Going to school in Pennsylvania is more expensive than attending college in most other U.S. states. However, for Pennsylvania residents, it's still true that in-state public schools cost less than private or out-of-state institutions. You may be able to save even more by earning your degree online, allowing you the flexibility to work and earn money while going to school.
Average Cost of College in Pennsylvania
| Institution Type |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in PA |
Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
| Public Four-Year (In-State) |
$16,217 |
$9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) |
$31,844 |
$28,297 |
| Private Four-Year |
$47,222 |
$35,248 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
There are many specialized scholarships in Pennsylvania to consider. 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.
This scholarship awards $500-$2,000 to undergraduate students in mining, metallurgical, petroleum engineering, or materials science. Enrollees must attend school in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Virginia to qualify.
Pennsylvania residents who enroll in land surveying majors can apply for this scholarship. The foundation chooses awardees based on their academic record, activities, and a statement. Qualified individuals must apply by April 30th.
Students at several eligible Pennsylvania colleges can use the Maguire Foundation's last-dollar scholarship for four years.
Chafee Grants is a federally funded program for Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care and attending eligible postsecondary institutions. The award is $5,000 for the 2024-25 year.
This $5,000 scholarship is available for Pennsylvania college students enrolled in programs related to arboriculture or urban forestry at an accredited college or university. Candidates must apply before April 15th.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Pennsylvania
Tuition reciprocity allows out-of-state enrollees to pay discounted tuition rates in certain states. Reciprocity agreements and participating states vary by program. Pennsylvania, as one of the few states that does not participate in reciprocity agreements, does not offer statewide benefits to out-of-state attendees. Students can still apply for financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and grants.
Frequently Asked Questions About 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. The Philadelphia-based Peirce College offers over 30 degrees and certificates 100% online, including 13 bachelor's degrees.
Peirce College ranks among the easiest colleges to get into in Pennsylvania. With a 100% acceptance rate, Peirce has several 100% online degree programs. You can choose from seven associate's, 13 bachelor's, and nine master's degrees online.
As of the 2022-2023 academic year, the average undergraduate tuition and fees for a public university in Pennsylvania, regardless of delivery method, is $16,217. For out-of-state students, the average costs jump to $31,844. Research several online colleges in PA for a look into specific distance learning costs.
Online college in Pennsylvania isn't free. However, there are many free online learning resources and tuition-free 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.
No -- you don't have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to attend online colleges in PA. 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.
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