2026 Best Value Value Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Pennsylvania. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Slippery Rock. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Value graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Value graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $44,294 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

2

Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Eastern University, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Saint Davids, Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,400. Typical student debt for value graduates is $28,584. Value graduates of Eastern University earn a median of $50,474 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA

Mercyhurst College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Erie, Mercyhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,770. Value graduates carry a median of $25,705 in student loans. Value graduates of Mercyhurst College earn a median of $46,009 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

4

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carnegie Mellon University earned it the #4 place for value. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Value graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $89,327. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

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. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

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. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $70,321. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted.

7

Saint Josephs University
Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $26,426 median debt. Saint Josephs University admits about 89% of applicants.

8

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University landed the #8 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. 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.