Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 85,000 people in Pennsylvania graduated with bachelor's degrees in the 2021-22 school year. That makes Pennsylvania the state with the fifth-highest number of graduates.

A bachelor's degree can go a long way toward boosting your career. Students who aren't able to make it on campus can learn through accredited online degrees, which give them the freedom to take care of other responsibilities like work or family while they complete their education.

The best online colleges provide high-quality programs in a flexible, convenient format. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Pennsylvania.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Multiple colleges and universities across Pennsylvania offer online degree programs to students. We've featured some of the top programs below.

1. Villanova University

Villanova University is a Catholic research university in Villanova, PA. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business administration, engineering, nursing, and public administration.

The university is one of the priciest in Pennsylvania, even with a lower per-credit rate for online students. However, 65% of students here receive financial aid of some type.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $64,701

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $21,261

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 25%

Retention Rate: 95%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Drexel University

At Drexel University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare.

The research university, based in Philadelphia, has been known for its commitment to innovative, technology-focused education for over 125 years. Most online bachelor's degrees cost $473, more than half the cost of on-campus programs, and 99% of students here receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $60,663

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $36,234

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 90%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, and organizational leadership. The school is based in Moon Township, PA.

Online students at RMU get the same personal attention as on-campus students, including dedicated student counselors, academic advisors, and financial aid counselors. The tuition rate for online bachelor's programs is $875 per credit and 99% of students receive financial aid to help them cover the cost of their education programs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $34,940

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $19,167

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 84%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Temple University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online at Temple University. Areas of study include business administration, liberal studies, public health, and social work.

Based in Philadelphia, the public university designed its online programs to be flexible but still high-quality. Most of its online bachelor's degrees cost $690 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students, and 94% of all students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $22,082

Out-of-State: $37,462

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $21,042

Out-of-State: $27,555

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 83%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University is a private research institution in Philadelphia. It offers online degrees from the bachelor's through the doctoral levels in fields like behavioral sciences, healthcare, information technology, and organizational leadership.

The 100-year-old university brings a tradition of excellence to its online programs that prepare college students for the future. The online bachelor's degrees are $650 per credit with 100% of students receiving financial aid, including institutional grants and scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $45,683

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $23,202

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 68%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. DeSales University

Students at DeSales University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, finance, human resources management, and psychology.

The Catholic school, located in Center Valley, PA, offers these online programs to accommodate students with busy lives. Tuition for online bachelor's programs is $575 per credit, and 100% of students, both on campus and online, receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State& Out-of-State: $44,800

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $22,960

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 81%

Institution Type: Private

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts. SRU is a public university in Slippery Rock, PA.

The university, which is over 125 years old, has always been committed to providing quality education that works for all students, and 94% of students here receive financial aid. In-state tuition for online undergraduate students is $322 per credit, while out-of-state online learners pay only slightly more at $328 per credit.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,507

Out-of-State: $14,615

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,288

Out-of-State: $13,932

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Retention Rate: 81%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Areas of study include business, education, emergency management, and nursing.

These online programs are designed to help students reach their goals, whether they have previous college experience or are starting fresh. Undergraduate online students pay an in-state tuition rate of just $322 per credit hour, while out-of-state online students pay $403 per credit hour. About 96% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,262

Out-of-State: $16,232

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,288

Out-of-State: $13,932

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. PennWest Global

PennWest Global is the online campus of the Pennsylvania Western University system, which is based in California, PA. It offers programs from the associate degree through the doctoral level in fields like business, computer science, healthcare, and social work.

The school values academic excellence, providing online courses that are challenging, innovative, and committed to student success. About 95% of students receive financial aid. In-state online undergraduate students pay $322 per credit while non-residents pay just slightly more for their online education, at $328 per credit.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,388

Out-of-State: $16,006

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,288

Out-of-State: $9,468

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public online

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Penn State World Campus

Through the Penn State World Campus, students can choose from more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs online. Areas of study include business, criminal justice, healthcare, and liberal arts.

The World Campus has been a leader in online education for over 25 years. Out-of-state students do not pay extra at this campus, and 72% of students here receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $15,204

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $24,406

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Retention Rate: 66%

Institution Type: Public online

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Featured Online Colleges

While there are plenty of excellent online colleges in Pennsylvania, there are also many great online schools across the U.S. Below, we've highlighted a few additional top accredited online colleges.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like anthropology, biochemistry, mass communication, and political science. ASU is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ASU is consistently ranked as one of the best schools for online degrees. Tuition for undergraduate degrees is $580 per credit for online students.

Franklin University

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through Franklin Univeristy. Areas of study include business, computer science, education, and social sciences.

The private school, based in Columbus, OH, is specifically geared toward adult and non-traditional learners and is accredited by the HLC. It charges $395 per credit hour for online undergraduate programs and accepts up to 90 transfer credits in most bachelor's degree programs.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution headquartered in Manchester, NH. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like digital photography, environmental science, human services, and social sciences.

SNHU is well-known for being a leader in online education, with hundreds of online programs and robust student support services. Online bachelor's degrees here cost $330 per credit hour, and the school accepts up to 90 transfer credits. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

How We Rank Schools

Using the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources, we looked for schools that met the following parameters:

• Location: All schools in our initial list are based in Pennsylvania.
• Accreditation: Both the Pennsylvania colleges and those outside of Pennsylvania on this list are regionally accredited.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online offerings: We looked for programs with a good selection of online programs, especially bachelor's degrees, and a reputation for high-quality online learning.

Pros and Cons of Online Learning in Pennsylvania

Many students find several benefits to learning online, but there can be some downsides as well. Below, we've highlighted some of the common pros and cons of earning a degree online.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Work on your schedule: Most online courses allow you to complete your coursework at the time that's best for you so long as you finish before the due date.
• Location freedom: Learning virtually means you can stay huddled up at home or travel the world while still completing your degree.
• Cost-effective: Many (though not all) online programs have lower tuition rates than on-campus programs, especially for out-of-state students.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires extra discipline: Some students struggle with the freedom that online programs offer and have a harder time completing their coursework on time.
• Harder to connect: It can be harder to connect with your professors and peers when learning virtually as opposed to seeing them in person.
• Different learning style: Many students prefer sitting in a lecture to doing readings or watching videos at home. Additionally, some types of assignments, like labs, can be harder to do away from school.

How To Choose an Online School in Pennsylvania

With so many high-quality online schools available, it can be hard to determine the best online college for you. However, whatever school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.

You'll also want to consider whether the school offers the program you want to pursue online and at the right degree level. Other things to think about include:

• Admissions requirements: Some schools simply require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others have stricter admissions requirements.
• Pace of schedule: Online programs are more likely to offer accelerated or part-time programs, and you'll need to consider what works best for your life and goals.
• Cost: Public schools are often, but not always, less expensive, and prices can vary wildly between institutions.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs to help students pay for their online degrees.
• Reputation: Look at reviews from current and former students, as well as ranking lists like those offered by Learn.org and the annual lists from the U.S. News & World Report to determine the quality of the school's online programs.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Pennsylvania Cost?

Tuition in Pennsylvania ranges from $322 per online bachelor's credit at several of Pennsylvania's public schools to over $800 at some of the private schools. However, the total cost of your tuition will depend on multiple factors, including what financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College More Affordable in Pennsylvania

There are a few ways that can make online college more affordable in Pennsylvania. Start by choosing a school with low tuition rates. There are several affordable online colleges in Pennsylvania, especially public online colleges.

Financial aid is also a big help. Most students in Pennsylvania receive some type of financial aid. All college students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what they qualify for.

Below, we've highlighted some additional resources to help make your college degree more affordable:

• accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA
• accredited online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• accredited online colleges that accept transfer credits
• accredited online colleges with payment plans
• accredited online colleges with no application fee
• accredited online colleges with scholarships

Pennsylvania Scholarships & Grants

Grants and scholarships are types of financial aid that you generally do not have to repay. We've highlighted some excellent grant and scholarship opportunities for Pennsylvania students below.

Pittsburgh Promise

The Pittsburgh Promise is a scholarship program that offers $20,000 to students who have lived in the city of Pittsburgh since the ninth grade and graduated from a Pittsburgh high school with a GPA of 2.50 and an attendance record of 90% or above.

Award Amount: $5,000 per year for a maximum of $20,000 total

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is offered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Administration. It offers grants to students based on financial need; students will need to fill out the FAFSA before they can apply for a state grant.

Award Amount: Up to $5,750 per year

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to help grow the workforce in Pennsylvania. It's available to Pennsylvania residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in an in-demand field of study.

Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per year

Deadline: TBD for 2025

Top Majors for Pennsylvania Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study for graduates in Pennsylvania are:

• Business: With a degree in business, students can go on to work in fields like finance, human resources, marketing, or project management.
• Healthcare: At the bachelor's degree level, healthcare majors may include health sciences, healthcare administration, and nursing. Students looking for careers as physicians, pharmacists, or nurse practitioners will need to go to graduate school.
• Humanities: Humanities includes areas of study like art, language, music, and culture. Careers in this field include jobs like designer, journalist, museum curator, teacher, and more.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Natural science includes both biological sciences and physical sciences. Majoring in science and math often leads to careers in academia or research.
• Engineering: Most schools offer engineering degrees in specific fields like civil engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

FAQs About Pennsylvania Online Programs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online degree programs in Pennsylvania.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Pennsylvania?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, there are some schools that offer accelerated online degrees in Pennsylvania that can allow you to finish more quickly.

Is an Online College Degree in Pennsylvania the Same as an In-Person Degree?

While the format is different between an online and in-person program, many online degree programs are taught by the same faculty and provide the same level of education as in-person degree programs.

What Are the Cheapest Online Colleges in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest online colleges in Pennsylvania are typically public schools. Schools like Slipper Rock University, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and PennWest Global all charge a tuition rate of $322 per credit for in-state undergraduate students studying online.

Is Online College Free in Pennsylvania?

Online college is not inherently free in Pennsylvania. However, using financial aid, like the Pennsylvania programs listed above or programs like the Pell Grant from the federal government, you may be able to completely eliminate your tuition costs.

How Do I Apply for Online College in Pennsylvania?

Most online colleges also have online applications. The application process and requirements will vary between colleges, but you can usually find all the information you need to apply on the college's website.

Discover Online Degrees in Pennsylvania

Find the perfect online college in Pennsylvania by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about application requirements, admissions, and financial aid.