The cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania provide higher education at an affordable price. The Keystone State has several low-tuition colleges and various low-cost degree programs. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition, including fees, for in-state students at Pennsylvania’s public four-year colleges is $14,812 per year.
The most affordable colleges in Pennsylvania are available for students seeking a quality education at a lower cost. In this article, we cover low-tuition colleges and the cheapest online colleges in Pennsylvania. You’ll also learn about financial aid options for students looking to supplement their tuition fees, and how you can apply for federal aid, grants, and scholarships.
How Much Does College Cost in Pennsylvania?
The average cost in Pennsylvania ranges from $10,500 to $20,400 per year. The cost includes tuition rates and fees and varies depending on the college or university. Some schools have higher tuition rates, such as the University of Pittsburgh and Shippensburg University, while others have lower tuition, including Slippery Rock University and Edinboro University.
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | $319/credit (resident), $419/credit (nonresident), $725/credit (international) | $516/credit (resident), $774/credit (nonresident) |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana | $322/credit (in state) $463/credit (out of state) | $516/credit (in state) $774/credit (out of state) |
| Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | Edinboro | $322/credit (PA resident), $482/credit (nonresident) | $516/credit (PA resident), $774/credit (nonresident) |
| Clarion University of Pennsylvania | Clarion, Venango, Pittsburgh | $322/credit (resident), $482/credit (nonresident) |
$516 – $568/credit (resident), $526 – $813/credit (nonresident) |
| Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock | $322/credit (in-state), $644/credit (out of state) | $516/credit (in state), $774/credit (out of state) |
| Lock Haven University | Lock Haven | $322/credit (PA resident), $720/credit (nonresident) | $516/credit (PA resident), $774/credit (nonresident) |
| Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | Bloomsburg | $322/credit (in state), $805/credit (out of state) | $516 – $792/credit (in state), $774 – $890/credit (out of state) |
| Lincoln University | Lincoln University | $355/credit (in state), $595/credit (out of state) | $511/credit (in state), $886/credit (out of state) |
| Millersville University | Millersville | $431/credit (resident), $927/credit (nonresident) | $516 – $671/credit (resident), $774 – $1,006/credit (nonresident) |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | $795/credit (resident), $1,421/credit (nonresident) | $970/credit (resident), $1,670/credit (nonresident) |
Cheapest Universities in Pennsylvania: A Closer Look
The following section discusses the cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania. The cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania include Shippensburg University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro University, and Slippery Rock University.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Pennsylvania
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $319/credit (resident), $328/credit (nonresident) |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate |
| Slippery Rock University | $322/credit (in state), $328/credit (out of state) |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate |
| California University of Pennsylvania | $322/credit (resident),$328/credit (nonresident) | Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate, Doctorate |
| Clarion University | $322/credit (resident), $347/credit (nonresident) |
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate, Doctorate |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | $3,858/semester (residents), $3,935/semester (nonresidents) |
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Certificate |
Cheapest Colleges in Pennsylvania by In-State Tuition
- Shippensburg University | $319/credit
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania | $322/credit
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | $322/credit
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania | $322/credit
- Slippery Rock University | $322/credit
- Lock Haven University | $322/credit
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | $322/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Pennsylvania by Out-of-State Tuition
- Shippensburg University | $419/credit
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania | $463/credit
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | $482/credit
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania | $482/credit
- Lincoln University | $595/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is expensive for a variety of reasons, such as tuition costs, housing and food, and books and supplies. Colleges have expert faculty that must receive competitive pay. Some of these factors are briefly described in the section below.
Tuition Costs
Tuition costs affect the cost of attendance because universities rely on tuition as a primary source of income that can be used for operational expenses. These expenses include staff salary, classroom maintenance, and other resources. Financial aid packages or scholarships, accessible by filling out the FAFSA, can help lower the cost of attendance for students.
Housing and Food
Colleges are also expensive because they include on-campus housing and meals. However, on-campus students can opt to live off-campus, which can save money. Education Data Initiative reports that a school food plan costs an average of $563 per month, so students can also choose to bring their meals instead of eating on campus to reduce costs.
Books and Supplies
Books and supplies are essential for classes and are frequently not included in the cost of tuition. For example, a student may be required to purchase a new textbook for each class, which can be rather costly. One way students can avoid paying for books and supplies is to check with their college to see if they can rent textbooks.
Best Universities by State
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How to Save Money in College
- Apply for scholarships. Applying for scholarships is an excellent way to save money. You can use the earnings to pay for tuition, room and board, and other college expenditures.
- Get used textbooks. It’s always a good idea to ask friends or classmates if they have any textbooks they won’t be using and may sell to you at a discount. You can also rent books online or from bookstores.
- Use public transportation. You can save money by taking public transportation instead of driving a car. Public transportation can also help you avoid parking and traffic fines, which can increase over time.
- Find a part-time job. Part-time jobs will provide extra cash, which will help you cover some of the college costs. In addition, a part-time job can help you learn how to manage your money and set financial goals.
- Create a budget. Making a budget and identifying areas where you can cut back will help you understand where your money is going. Budgeting can also help you be more disciplined with your spending, allowing you to save money for college.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Pennsylvania
- Go to the FAFSA website and create an account. This will be your login information for future years, so make sure to remember it.
- Fill out the FAFSA form with your information. Be mindful of your deadlines, and gather all necessary documents to complete the form accurately and completely.
- Submit the FAFSA form, then wait to hear back about your financial aid. They will let you know what kind of aid you are eligible for and how to receive it.
Scholarships for Students in Pennsylvania
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State Grant Program | Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) | $5,261 or $2,630 per semester or per full-time enrollment | Must be a Pennsylvania resident and enrolled in a two-year program |
| Pennsylvania Psychological Foundation Education Award | Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPF) | $2,000 | Must be a Pennsylvania resident and a full-time graduate student in psychology or a related degree |
| Pennsylvania Engineering Foundation (PEF) Scholarship | Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers | $1,000 | Must be a Pennsylvania resident and attend a Pennsylvania ABET-accredited engineering program |
| PA Land Surveyors’ Foundation Scholarship | Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors | Amount determined based on application | Must be a Pennsylvania resident enrolled or accepted in a two-year Surveying Technology or Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying program |
| Animal Care PA’s Veterinary Student Scholarship | The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation (PVF) | Amount determined based on application | Must be a resident of Pennsylvania and attend a veterinary school recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education |
| American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship | The Pittsburgh Foundation | $1,700 | Must be a resident of Pennsylvania and be enrolled in a four-year degree in communications, marketing, or advertising |
| Alliance Medical Education Scholarship Fund (AMES) | The Foundation of Pennsylvania Medical Society | $2,500 | Must be a resident of Pennsylvania and be enrolled full-time in an accredited Pennsylvania medical school |
| Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship | The Foundation of Pennsylvania Medical Society | $4,000 | Must be a resident of Pennsylvania and be enrolled full-time in an accredited Pennsylvania medical school |
| James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarship | James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation | $10,000 – $15,000/year | Must be a Pennsylvania resident enrolled full-time in Engineering, Math, Metals, or Technology degrees |
| James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarship | James T. and Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation | $2,000 – $5,000/year (two-year program) $10,000 – $15,000/year (four-year program) |
Must be a Pennsylvania resident enrolled full-time in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and also available for certificates and two-year nursing programs |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Pennsylvania
When looking for the cheapest college in Pennsylvania, prospective students should consider scholarship opportunities, tuition costs, and accreditation. Continue reading to learn why these factors are essential while selecting an affordable college in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship opportunities are essential when choosing the cheapest college in Pennsylvania because they can help offset the cost of attendance. Some scholarships are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need.
Tuition
Tuition is a critical consideration in determining how affordable a college is. Tuition, room and board, and books and supplies are all included in the overall cost of attendance (COA). The total COA is essential when choosing a college because it can affect how much you will need to borrow in student loans or apply for financial aid.
Accreditation
You want to ensure you are investing in a school that has been evaluated and found to meet a set of education standards. Therefore, when looking for the cheapest college in Pennsylvania, ensure that the institution is accredited and that your education is of top quality.
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Best Community Colleges by State
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Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Pennsylvania
| Job Title | Average Salary in Pennsylvania | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $360,790 | Doctorate or professional degree |
| Dentist | $159,450 | Doctorate or professional degree |
| Financial Manager | $151,760 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Sales Manager | $135,410 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Veterinarian | $119,490 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Aerospace Engineer | $115,470 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Developer | $105,550 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Programmer | $87,190 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Registered Nurse | $76,000 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist | $63,180 | Bachelor’s degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Pennsylvania: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
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Is a Cheap College in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Yes, a cheap college in Pennsylvania is worth it. A college education is a significant investment, and selecting a school that matches your budget is essential. Slippery Rock University, Edinboro University, and Lock Haven University are just some of Pennsylvania’s reputable, cheap institutions where you can build the foundations of your future.
Cheapest Colleges in Pennsylvania FAQ
No, there are no free colleges in Pennsylvania. However, several scholarships and grants are available to help students pay for college. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is an excellent resource for finding scholarships and grants.
There are a few options for going to college on a shoestring budget. You can apply for scholarships and grants or acquire a job and use this money to pay for college. In addition, you can obtain student loans. Student loans are an excellent way to pay for college because you don’t have to repay them until you graduate.
Yes, Pennsylvania is an excellent state for international students, as it has several universities ranked among the best in the world, including the Pennsylvania State University. In addition, Pennsylvania is a great place to live, with a rich history and culture.
Yes, FAFSA is technically free money. The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student aid, is the application that students use to apply for federal financial assistance. However, it is still a loan and must be repaid.
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