2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Bucks County Community College
Newtown, PA

Bucks County Community College earned the #1 spot for value among individualized studies schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the rural area of Newtown, Bucks County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $13,926. Students borrow a median of $10,426 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Bucks County Community College generally make around $24,235. Set against $10,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Community College Of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Community College Of Philadelphia, which ranked #2. Community College Of Philadelphia is a large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,632, compared with $12,744 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Community College Of Philadelphia generally make around $32,697. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt.

3

Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania Western University earned it the #3 place for individualized studies. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,295. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.

4

Reading Area Community College
Reading, PA

A rank of #4 makes Reading Area Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Reading, Reading Area Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,480, with out-of-state students paying around $12,510. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Reading Area Community College generally make around $49,248. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Northampton County Area Community College
Bethlehem, PA

A rank of #5 makes Northampton County Area Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, with out-of-state students paying around $15,270. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $15,250 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $23,879. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt.

6

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Indiana, PA

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #6 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,125. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $42,972. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

7

Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

8

Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA

Eastern University earned the #8 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Davids, Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,400. Students borrow a median of $25,187 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Eastern University generally make around $50,474. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

9

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania earned the #9 position for value in individualized studies this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $68,293. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

10

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University placed #10 among the best values for individualized studies. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,515. Individualized Studies graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,515 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%.

11

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for individualized studies value this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

12

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University landed the #12 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $27,154 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Set against $27,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants.

13

Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University placed #13 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $72,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants.