10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Pittsburgh, PA

If you live in western Pennsylvania and are interested in earning your bachelor's degree, you're in luck.

With so many universities and colleges near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to choose from, you should have no trouble finding the best college for you.

Both public and private universities also ensure that you can find degree options that suit both your educational needs and your budget.

Featured Colleges in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Read on for more details on some of the best universities and colleges near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that offer bachelor's degrees.

1. Carlow University

Turn your passion into a career at Carlow University, situated smack-dab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The university offers a number of cutting edge bachelor's degrees, including majors in the following areas:

• media arts and animation
• behavioral neuroscience
• digital media
• data analytics
• esports business management
• healthcare data analytics
• crisis and trauma social work

Just 10 minutes from downtown, Carlow is located in an ethnically diverse neighborhood with plenty of opportunity for involvement.

Tuition starts at $16,688 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available.

2. Chatham University

If you're looking for a small university experience, check out Chatham University in Pittsburgh, with just 2,400 students.

This private university has more than 60 majors available across the following disciplines:

• sustainability and health
• business and communications
• arts and sciences

Chatham encourages students to enhance their learning in and outside the classroom, with many activities, events, and other opportunities.

Tuition starts at $42,250 per year for full-time students. Generous financial aid packages are available for all who qualify.

3. Duquesne University

Expand your horizons at Duquesne University, a Pittsburgh university that emphasizes community involvement.

Choose from a number of different majors for your bachelor's degree, including:

• accounting
• athletic training
• biomedical engineering
• business administration
• Catholic studies
• classical civilizations
• cybersecurity studies
• digital media arts
• international relations
• peace, justice, and conflict resolution
• world literature

Life at Duquesne features a number of opportunities to enhance your spiritual, physical, and mental wellness while earning your degree.

Tuition varies per program but generally starts at $1,562 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for all qualifying students.

4. La Roche University

Consider La Roche University if you're looking for a bachelor's degree that will prepare you to work in a rapidly changing global society.

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh, at La Roche you can choose from among 50 different undergraduate majors, including:

• accounting
• communications, media, and technology
• computer science
• education
• engineering
• gaming
• information technology
• nursing
• psychology
• sustainability studies

Clubs, athletics, social events, and community volunteer activities round out your life as a student at La Roche.

Tuition starts at $15,980 per semester for full-time undergraduate students. Financial aid is also available to help lower your costs.

5. PennWest California

Just a 30-mile drive from Pittsburgh, PennWest California is conveniently located in California, Pennsylvania.

Most programs are available both on campus and online so you have flexibility in how you earn your degree, in various fields including:

• accounting
• business administration
• communication
• electrical engineering
• fisheries and wildlife biology
• legal studies
• political science
• psychology
• veterinary technology

The California campus features clubs, organizations, athletics, support services, and more so you can make the most out of your experience.

Tuition starts at $322 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help make your degree more affordable.

6. Point Park University

If you're looking to earn your degree in Pittsburgh, you might find your educational home at Point Park University.

Point Park offers more than 70 academic majors, including:

• animation
• cinema production
• digital journalism
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• graphic and interactive design
• screenwriting
• social justice studies

At Point Park, your education continues outside the classroom with clubs and organizations that capitalize on your talents and skills.

Tuition starts at $18,825 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available.

7. Robert Morris University

Check out Robert Morris University (RMU) if you're looking for big-city opportunities in a peaceful, suburban setting.

Located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, RMU offers degrees in more than 60 different disciplines, including:

• business
• education
• healthcare
• engineering
• science
• social sciences
• psychology
• media arts

The vibrant community atmosphere or RMU campus offers plenty of clubs, interest groups, and other opportunities for you to get involved.

Tuition starts at a flat rate of $16,680 per semester for all full-time students. Financial aid is also available.

8. Seton Hill University

If you want to earn your degree from a leading Catholic liberal arts university, consider Seton Hill University in Pittsburgh.

The university offers more than 80 undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities from the following five schools:

• business
• humanities
• education and applied social sciences
• natural and health sciences
• visual and performing arts

Student organizations, social clubs, and interest groups ensure that you'll have an active and involved life at Seton Hill.

Tuition starts at $20,432 per semester for full-time students. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available.

9. University of Pittsburgh

As the largest public university in western Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh is at the forefront of research and innovation.

And with more than 600 bachelor's degree options, you're sure to find the program of study you want, including popular majors such as:

• Africana studies
• architecture
• astronomy
• ecology and evolution
• film and media studies
• museum studies
• public and professional writing
• urban planning and geographical analysis

Pitt also has a robust athletic program as well as numerous student clubs and organizations so you'll never be bored on campus.

Tuition starts at $839 per credit hour for Pennsylvania residents ($1,605 per credit hour for out-of-state students). Financial aid is available.

10. Washington and Jefferson College

Just a short drive from Pittsburgh, Washington and Jefferson College (W&J) is one of the oldest colleges west of the Allegheny Mountains.

The liberal arts college offers bachelor's degrees in more than 60 areas of study, including:

• accounting
• business administration
• childhood development
• computing and information systems
• music
• philosophy
• political science
• psychology

W&J offers more than 800 opportunities for you to engage with fellow students on campus, where 96% of W&J students live.

Tuition starts at $27,605 per year for full-time students. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available if you qualify.

What Is the Biggest School Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

With nearly 20,000 undergraduate students, the University of Pittsburgh is the largest university in the Pittsburgh area.

The University of Pittsburgh is also the only public four-year university in the city, so you'll typically pay less tuition if you go there.

How to Choose the Right College Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Most of the colleges near Pittsburgh are small, private schools. Unless you're looking for a specific program, it'll probably come down to money.

Look for a school that will offer you the best bang for your buck so you can make sure that you're getting the most out of your education.

Paying for Your Degree Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Since most schools in the Pittsburgh area are private, you'll likely want to apply for plenty of scholarships and other financial aid.

Try to load up on scholarships and grants first, since they don't have to be paid back. Only go for loans after you've exhausted all other options.

Start Your Degree Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Today

Try one of these great universities and colleges near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to earn your bachelor's degree.