Best STEM Colleges in Pennsylvania

Students who love science, technology, engineering, or mathematics can find great careers in STEM by enrolling in one of the top STEM degree programs in the U.S.. Many high-paying jobs are available in this field. Here are a few:

• chemist
• civil engineer
• statistician
• computer network architect
• astronomer

Starting a career in most STEM roles requires a degree. Schools like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offer some of the best STEM programs in Pennsylvania. Below, we'll explore these and other great STEM programs. We'll also review STEM colleges that offer financial aid to reduce tuition.

Top STEM Colleges in Pennsylvania

Finding the right STEM degree starts with choosing the best school. The following colleges offer some of the top STEM programs in Pennsylvania.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University offers more than 150 undergraduate programs. Many of these degrees can help students start STEM careers. A few include:

• biological sciences
• computer science
• global engineering
• mathematical sciences

Students with a business degree could enroll in Carnegie Mellon's STEM MBA. This program offers a business education with STEM applications. Courses prepare students to work with tech and data in business settings.

2. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia offers dozens of STEM programs for undergrads and graduate school students. Here are a few:

• biochemistry
• environment and sustainability
• nanotechnology
• scientific computing

Penn offers need-based scholarships and financial aid that could help students reduce the cost of their STEM degrees. Awards include the Mayor's Scholarship, Pennsylvania Grants, and Maguire Scholarship.

3. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in University Park offers more than 275 majors. Some of these majors can lead to STEM careers. Aerospace engineering, biology, and computer science are just a few.

The Penn State World Campus offers STEM degrees students can pursue without visiting a campus. Students can study software engineering, turfgrass science, and enterprise technology integration from home. Penn State provides the chance to earn low-cost or free online STEM degrees with school scholarships and grants.

4. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem. The school offers STEM undergraduate degrees in the following areas:

• applied science
• energy engineering
• mathematics
• mechanical engineering

Lehigh also offers top online STEM degrees at the graduate level. Students can select mechanical engineering, healthcare systems engineering, and other STEM programs. First-year and upper-class STEM students seeking personal support can benefit from Lehigh's STEM living community.

5. Drexel University

Drexel University offers STEM programs designated by the US Department of Homeland Security. Students can find programs at the undergrad and grad school levels. Here are a few:

• data science
• information systems
• AI and machine learning
• computer science

Drexel offers student aid to help learners pay less for their degrees. The Westphal Portfolio Scholarship for first-year and transfer students and the Drexel Merit Scholarship are two aid options to consider.

6. Temple University

Temple University in Philadelphia offers over 600 programs. Many of its degrees have a STEM focus. Some include:

• actuarial science
• biophysics
• cybersecurity
• geoscience

Affordable online STEM degrees are available to Temple grad students. Grants and scholarships can lower the cost of the school's online STEM master's degrees like information science and technology and health informatics.

7. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) offers undergraduate majors and minors in STEM. Majors include chemistry, data science, geology, and physics. Students can choose from exercise science, applied statistics, and polymer engineering minors.

STEM learners can make earning their degrees easier to afford with help from Pitt student aid. Scholarships, grants, and work-study are a few ways to save on tuition and graduate with less debt.

8. Villanova University

Villanova University students can find 175 programs, many of which have a STEM focus. A few include:

• analytics
• physics
• biology
• electrical engineering

Villanova's Office of Financial Assistance provides student aid options to help learners cover school costs. First-year, transfer, graduate, current undergrad, and international students can all receive help.

9. Bucknell University

Bucknell University is a liberal arts college offering degrees for students who want to study technology, science, math, and engineering. Here are a few options:

• biomedical engineering
• chemistry
• mathematical economics
• neuroscience

The Bucknell STEM Scholarships program works with high school students who want to enter the STEM field. Women, low-income students, and first-generation learners visit the campus the summer before their first year to conduct research with faculty and staff.

10. Swarthmore College

Statistics, neuroscience, and biology are a few STEM degrees you can pursue at Swarthmore College. Others include:

• cognitive science
• engineering
• mathematics
• chemistry

Students who want to major or minor in STEM can benefit from Swarthmore College's NSE Student Success Toolkit. This site provides study tips, resources, and other guidance to help learners succeed.

11. Haverford College

Many great STEM program options are available at Haverford College. Astronomy, statistics, and mathematics are a few to consider. Here are some others:

• astrophysics
• computer science
• geology
• environmental studies

Haverford offers financial aid to reduce the cost of tuition. Students can apply for federal work-study. In-state Pennsylvania students could receive financial aid through state-based grant programs.

12. Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College offers multiple STEM-related programs. Students can pursue degrees in health sciences, data science, and biology. Gettysburg also offers an engineering dual degree.

The school's STEM Scholars Program offers need-based grants for first-year students in STEM programs. Eligible degrees include those listed above and others like math, chemistry, computer science, and physics.

13. West Chester University

West Chester University students can pursue STEM careers with help from programs in the College of the Sciences and Mathematics. Here are a few:

• geoscience
• physics
• mathematics
• chemistry

WCU is home to the Center for STEM Inclusion. WCU STEM majors can take advantage of peer mentoring meetings. They are also prepared for STEM careers through interviewing, resume writing, and help with job searching.

14. Pennsylvania College of Technology

At Pennsylvania College of Technology, students can choose from traditional and online degrees in STEM. Some include:

• mechatronics
• aviation technology
• automotive technology management
• robotics and animation

The Penn College STEM Scholars award grants of $2,000 to students who have graduated from qualifying schools with a minimum high school GPA. Bachelor's degree students can renew this award for up to four years.

15. East Stroudsburg University

East Stroudsburg University offers 58 undergraduate programs. Degrees preparing students for STEM careers include:

• biotechnology
• computer security
• marine science
• general science

Students transferring to ESU from eligible community colleges could qualify for funds from the National Science Foundation. The Clear Path Scholarship offers up to $20,000 for students to attend ESU. Students attending eligible community colleges could receive up to $10,000.

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Pennsylvania

One of many reasons to consider a STEM career is the high wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs earned double the median annual wages of non-STEM jobs in 2023. The following FAQs can give you more insight into Pennsylvania colleges that prepare students for STEM roles.

Which Pennsylvania School Has the Best STEM Program?

U.S. News and World Report ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the best college in America for computer science. The school has also earned high marks for its math and engineering programs. The University of Pennsylvania, the only Ivy League school of higher education in Pennsylvania, ranks the highest in the state for math, physics, and chemistry.

What Is the Hardest College To Get Into in Pennsylvania?

According to U.S. News and World Report, Swarthmore College and the University of Pennsylvania are two of the hardest colleges to get into in Pennsylvania. Both schools have among the lowest acceptance rates in the state at 7%.

Is the University of Pittsburgh Better for STEM Majors Than Penn State?

No, the University of Pittsburgh is not better than Penn State for STEM majors. Penn State campuses rank better than the University of Pittsburgh in engineering, math, computer science, and chemistry.