10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Allentown, PA
These colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania, offer valuable education and steer students in the right direction to meet their academic and career goals.
Allentown, Pennsylvania, is situated in the Lehigh Valley and is the third-largest and fastest-growing city in the state. It is home to many accredited universities, with several additional options within an hour's drive.
Here is a list of the top ten colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania, that offer high-quality education, excellent faculty, and various programs to help meet your academic interests and career goals.
Featured Colleges in Allentown, PA
Finding the right colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania, is easy with this list of accredited programs compiled below.
1. Cedar Crest College
Cedar Crest College, located in Allentown, takes pride in its commitment to empowering a diverse student body.
Their 40+ programs of study include the following:
- business administration
- cybersecurity
- education
- nursing
- social work
- psychology
- political science
This liberal arts college has an enrollment of 1,300 students, of whom 91% are female. US News and World Report recognizes it as a top social mobility performer, ranking among the best schools.
2. Muhlenberg College
Muhlenberg College in Allentown delivers bachelor's and master's degree programs and graduate certificates in many in-demand areas of study. Virtual learning and on-campus classes are available.
It provides majors such as:
- organizational leadership
- applied analytics
- media and communication
- business administration
- computer science
- teaching
- biology
Their small class sizes promise personalized attention from faculty who are experts in their field. It states that 99% of students are awarded financial aid through assistance like scholarships and grants.
3. Strayer University
With multiple locations nationwide, including in Allentown, Strayer University provides affordable degree options and flexible ways to earn them through distance and in-person learning.
It offers several programs, including:
- information technology
- business administration
- accounting
- education
- criminal justice
- public administration
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify through aid such as scholarships, tuition discounts, and military benefits for active-duty service members and veterans.
4. DeSales University
DeSales University is in Center Valley and recently announced the opening of an educational center in downtown Allentown. It also provides many options for students through distance learning.
Multiple academic programs of study are offered, such as:
- nursing
- accounting
- criminal justice
- early childhood education
- healthcare administration
- economics
- liberal studies
Individuals can expect to engage in values-based learning at this Catholic university with 80+ programs. US News and World Report ranks it among the best regional colleges.
5. Moravian University
With more than 70 undergraduate and 65 graduate programs and certifications to select from, Moravian University is an excellent choice for aspiring students.
Programs of study are available in various areas, such as:
- computer science
- biological sciences
- public health
- music
- education
- nursing
- English
This small, private institution provides a career-focused liberal arts education, and 100% of students receive financial aid. It is located six miles from Allentown in historic Bethlehem.
6. Lehigh University
Lehigh University in Bethlehem is a distinguished private research institution. It is known for its engineering programs and for providing valuable experiential learning experiences.
Several majors are available to choose from, including:
- business
- computer science
- chemical engineering
- economics
- political science
- pre-dental science
- history
It ranks highly among the top national universities, with a dynamic and vibrant campus community, according to US News and World Report. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
7. Penn State Lehigh Valley
Penn State Lehigh Valley is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University in Center Valley, situated between Allentown and Bethlehem.
It has 11 degrees available at this location, such as:
- project and supply chain management
- biobehavioral health
- information technology
- corporate communication
- cybersecurity
- business
- psychology
It prides itself on its commitment to delivering a quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen careers. Its small class sizes assure personalized attention from a world-class faculty.
8. Lafayette College
Lafayette College offers a range of programs through four academic divisions, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. It has more than 50 areas of study to choose from.
Examples of majors that are offered include:
- chemical engineering
- computer science
- mathematics
- mechanical engineering
- chemistry
This private liberal arts institution is located about 20 miles from Allentown in Easton, the easternmost city in the Lehigh Valley, overlooking the historic Delaware River.
9. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania gives students ample opportunities to further their college education with over 125 majors, minors, and concentrations to select from.
Many areas of study are available, such as:
- marketing and communications
- health and human services
- English and writing
- administration
- technology
- liberal arts
- social sciences
Undergraduate and graduate students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Certifications in sought-after skills, including technical writing and secondary education, are also accessible.
10. Albright College
Albright College in Reading is around 30 miles from Allentown. It provides over 150 areas of study in addition to several certification programs offering on-campus and distance learning options.
Students can enroll in many degree programs, such as:
- business administration
- communications
- education
- fashion
- music
- psychology
- sociology
Per US News and World Report, it is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation and a high performer on social mobility.
What Is the Biggest School Near Allentown, Pennsylvania?
One of the biggest colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania, includes Lehigh University, which has an enrollment of around 7,500. The Kutztown University of Pennsylvania follows close behind with 7,400.
DeSales University enrolls approximately 3,000 students, while Muhlenberg College has a population of about 2,000.
How To Choose the Right College Near Allentown, Pennsylvania
Choosing which college to enroll in near Allentown should involve research to ensure individuals select the ideal one to match their goals.
Students must consider certain factors, such as:
- school location
- academic programs
- accreditation and reputation
- campus size and community
- admissions criteria
- tuition cost and student fees
- financial aid and payment assistance
Taking these steps to evaluate each college's offerings will assist individuals in selecting the right colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Paying for Your Degree Near Allentown, Pennsylvania
A college education is a crucial investment that students must carefully consider, taking into account both quality and cost.
When it comes to paying for your degree to attend colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania, many financial aid options are available.
Strategies for help in financing a college degree include:
- student loans
- scholarships and grants
- work-study and part-time employment
- tuition reimbursement programs
- payment installment plans
- military benefits
- tuition discounts
To begin the process, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online.
Start Your Degree Near Allentown, Pennsylvania Today
Aspiring students can take advantage of what these thriving campus communities offer and start their degree today by choosing a program from this list of accredited colleges near Allentown, Pennsylvania.