2026 Best Value Value Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA

Our analysis ranked Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania the best value for a degree in value in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $44,294. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.

2

Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA

Eastern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Davids, Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,400 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $28,584 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Eastern University generally make around $50,474. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

3

Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mercyhurst College earned it the #3 place for value. Located in the city of Erie, Mercyhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,770. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,705. Early-career value graduates make about $46,009. Set against $25,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

4

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for value. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University earned the #6 position for value in value this year. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,008. Early-career value graduates make about $70,321. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants.

7

Saint Josephs University
Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University placed #7 among the best values for value. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,426. Value graduates of Saint Josephs University earn a median of $65,421 early in their careers. Set against $26,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

8

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #8 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.