For students who are in search of nonprofit online colleges in Pennsylvania, this list includes some of our favorite schools from the region. These Pennsylvania universities and colleges have been selected based upon the affordability of their tuition, and the amount and variety of programs available.
Ranking the Top Online Colleges in PA
#1. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Originally named, Slippery Rock State Normal School, Slippery Rock University was initially established in order to train teachers to work for the state in public education programs. Operating in this capacity for nearly thirty years, Slippery Rock State Normal School was then renamed to Slippery Rock State Teachers College after expanding its curriculum to include four-year degree programs. The institution went through another major change in 1960 when the school began to offer students undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Because of this change, the school was renamed to Slippery Rock State College. The institution then received university status in 1983 prompting the school to be renamed to Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Still located in the city of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania has grown immensely over its more than a century of operation. Today, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania enrolls a student body of over 8,500 students.
Featured Programs
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers its students many different academic programs from which to enroll in. Students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania can choose to enroll in over 150 different majors and minors offered at the school as well as a large catalog of over forty masters and three doctoral programs to choose from. Many of these programs are also offered entirely online helping Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public institution.
Accreditation: Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $392/credit
Click here for a list of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania’s online programs.
#2. Geneva College
Located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Geneva College was first established in 1848. Initially located in Northwood, Ohio, Geneva College was first established as Geneva Hall. Named after the Swiss Center of the Reformed faith movement, Geneva Hall provided educations to those living in the surrounding areas. Operating in the area for nearly forty years, it was decided that Geneva Hall would relocate away from Northwood, Ohio. After considering a variety of different sites to move Geneva Hall to it was decided that the school would be moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Using land donated by the Harmony Society, construction on the new Geneva Campus was completed in 1881. By relocating to Beaver Falls, Geneva College was set to experience a period of growth. With ample room to grow the campus, Geneva College began to attract students from all across the state. As more students came to the school to enroll, more and more academic programs were offered to students. Currently, Geneva College enrolls a student body of nearly 1,800 students.
Students at Geneva College are able to enroll in a variety of different academic programs made available by the school. As of today, Geneva C0llege is offering its students the ability to enroll in over thirty different majors as well as a handful of graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Geneva College has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Geneva College is a private college.
Accreditation: Geneva College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $399/credit
Click here for a list of Geneva College’s online programs.
#3. California University of Pennsylvania
With the motto “Building Character. Building Careers.”, California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852. Dating all the way back to the very beginning of California, Pennsylvania, California University of Pennsylvania started its history as an academic center funded by the people of the town to help educate students ranging from kindergarten all the way through college age. Operating out of its original location for twelve years, the academic center was eventually relocated to its present location in 1964. After moving to its current location, the academic center then received its charter from the state as a normal school. In 1874, the academic center was renamed to the Southwestern Normal School. The school was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania in 1914 and was renamed to the California State Normal School. For a brief time, the California State Normal School only offered two-year programs but was restored to its original four-year offerings in 1928. The school was renamed to California University of Pennsylvania in 1983 after receiving university status. Today, California University of Pennsylvania is home to a student body of approximately 9,400 students.
Home of the Vulcans, California University of Pennsylvania offers a wide selection of academic programs to choose from. Among California University of Pennsylvania’s catalog of programs, students will find over 150 different undergraduate programs as well as nearly a dozen Master’s programs. California University of Pennsylvania offers many of these programs online, helping the institution to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. California University of Pennsylvania is a public institution.
Accreditation: California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $482/credit
Click here for a list of California University of Pennslyvania’s online programs.
#4. DeSales University
Formally known as the Allentown College of Saint Francis de Sales, DeSales University was established in 1964. Following the appointment of Joseph McShea as Bishop of the Allentown Diocese by Pope John XXII, a study was undertaken to analyze the educational facilities in the surrounding area. Realizing that there were no Catholic colleges in the Diocese it was decided that a liberal arts college would be established to serve the Diocese. Planning began in 1962 and by 1964 a charter was issued for the Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales. The first class of students was enrolled in the school in 1965. Originally male only, the school became a coeducational facility in 1970. After opening up to all students, the Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales underwent a period of growth. As more and more students enrolled in the school so did the selection of academic programs offered to students at their facilities. By the year 2000, the Allentown College of Francis de Sales had received university status and was renamed to DeSales University. Today, DeSales University is home to a student body of over 3,5000 students.
Students at DeSales University are given a large selection of academic programs from which to enroll in at the university. Currently, students at DeSales University can choose from dozens of different undergraduate and graduate programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs. Many of these programs are also offered online through DeSales University’s ACCESS program. By offering programs online, DeSales University has earned a place among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. DeSales University is a private institution.
Accreditation: DeSales University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $488/credit
Click here for a list of DeSales University’s online programs.
#5. Misericordia University
Established in 1924, Misericordia University was originally known as College Misericordia. Founded by The Religious Sisters of Mercy, College Misericordia was founded after a group of the Sisters settles in the Wyoming Valley area of Pennslyvania. Upon their arrival, The Religious Sisters of Mercy began to work with people in the area to help them pray and to educate them. During this time, The Religious Sisters of Mercy established a school that taught children during the day and adults at night. In 1914, the Sisters of Mercy purchased a parcel of land in Dallas, Pennsylvania and received a charter from the state of Pennsylvania for the first four-year institution in the area just ten years later. Meaning “heart of mercy”, Misericordia University operated under its original name of College Misericordia for decades until it was switched. In 1970, Misericordia University was transitioned to a coeducational university. Renamed in 2007, Misericordia University has grown immensely over nearly a century. Still affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Misericordia University is one of Pennsylvania’s best Catholic universities. Today, Misericordia University enrolls a student body of over 3,100 students.
Students at Misericordia University can choose from a large selection of academic programs offered at the school. Across all of Misericordia University’s undergraduate and graduate offerings, students are able to choose from over thirty different academic programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Misericordia University has ranked on our list of the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Misericordia University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Misericordia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $610/credit
Click here for a list of Misericordia University’s online programs.
#6. Gwynedd Mercy University
Founded in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University was established in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. Originally known as Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Mercy University initially operated as a junior college. Created by the Sisters of Mercy, Gwynedd-Mercy College provided two-year degree programs to local students for fifteen years. In 1963, Gwynedd-Mercy College began offering students Bachelor’s degree programs. A women’s only college at its establishment, Gwynedd-Mercy College began admitting male students in 1973. The school continued to add more and more programs to its offerings eventually adding Masters and doctoral programs. In 2013, Gwynedd-Mercy College was renamed to Gwynedd Mercy University. Gwynedd Mercy University is also one of seventeen Catholic institutions of higher learning that make up the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. This group is a network of schools that have traditions based in the Sisters of Mercy. Today, Gwynedd Mercy University is home to more than 2,700 students.
Home of the Griffins, Gwynedd Mercy University offers students a wide variety of academic programs from which to enroll in. Currently, students at Gwynedd Mercy University can enroll in over forty undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at the school. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. TByoffering these programs, Gwynedd Mercy University has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Gwynedd Mercy University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $615/credit
Click here for a list of Gwynedd Mercy University’s online programs.
#7. Temple University
Located in Philadelphia, Temple University is a public research university. Established in 1888, Temple University was founded by Boston lawyer Russell Conwell. Originally taught out of Conwell’s Baptist Temple, the school soon was called “The Temple College”. Operating for six years prior to its official establishment, the school was finally granted a charter by the city of Philadelphia in 1888 as The Temple College of Philadelphia. While it was not allowed to confer degrees to students at the beginning, the Temple College of Philadelphia was awarded the ability to give degrees in 1907. After expanding and adding more programs, the school was reincorporated as Temple University. Temple University was eventually incorporated as a state school. Home of the Night Owls, Temple University’s mascots received their name in honor of the students who met at night to study at “The Temple College”. Still located in the heart of Philadelphia, Temple University enrolls a student body of over 40,000 students.
Those enrolled at Temple University are able to choose from a wide selection of academic programs offered to students. As of today, Temple University is offering hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs at the school. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Temple University has ranked among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania.
Accreditation: Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $670/credit
Click here for a list of Temple University’s online programs.
#8. Eastern University
Initially founded as the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Eastern University was first established in 1925. Created as a theological seminary within the American Baptist Church, the Eastern University was established out of a department within the seminary in 1925. Operating within the seminary for twenty-five years, the department parted ways with the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and moved to its current location in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. It was at this time that the school was renamed to Eastern Baptist College. In 1972, “Baptist” was dropped from the school’s name and it was renamed to Eastern College. Over the course of the next three decades, Eastern College added more and more courses and programs to its curriculum as it attracted more students to the school. With this period of growth came a demand for graduate-level programs. With the addition of graduate programs to the Eastern College curriculum, the school was given university status by the state of Pennsylvania and it was renamed to Eastern University. Today, Eastern University enrolls a student population of 4,300 students, many of which attend class at the St. Davids, Pennsylvania campus.
Students at Eastern University are able to enroll in a large selection of academic programs made available at the institution. Currently, Eastern University offers its students 160 different programs across their undergraduate and graduate offerings. This includes Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Eastern University offers many of these programs to its students online helping it to place among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Eastern University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $712/credit
Click here for a list of Eastern University’s online programs.
#9. La Roche College
The Sisters of the Divine Providence founded La Roche College in 1963. With the motto “Engaging Minds. Embracing the World.”, La Roche College was started as a private college for religious women. The Sisters of Divine Providence founded the institution in order to give women in the area a place for them to study theology. After just two years of operating out of its original leased space, La Roche College had grown large enough to begin construction on its own permanent campus. However, La Roche College soon ran into some financial issues. It was during this brief period of financial hardship that closing the college was considered. However, the school was able to stay afloat by rechartering as an independent, coeducational Catholic college. The school also struck a partnership with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh that allowed the school to widen its selection of academic programs. Thorugh this new partnership, La Roche College was able to attract more students than ever before. As more students sought to enroll in La Roche College, La Roche College’s academic offering swelled. Today, La Roche College is home to almost 1,500 students at its McCandless Township campus.
Home of the Redhawks, La Roche College now offers a large selection of academic programs for students to enroll in. Currently, La Roche College offers its students a selection of fifty different undergraduate programs to choose from. Students at La Roche College are also able to enroll in a dozen different Master’s degree programs offered at the school. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs, La Roche College has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. La Roche College is a private institution.
Accreditation: La Roche College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $728/credit
Click here for a list of La Roche College’s online programs.
#10. Carlow University
Arriving in Pittsburgh in December of 1843, the Sisters of Mercy sought to establish a new school in the newly settled Oakland region of Pittsburgh. Traveling from Ireland, the Sisters of Mercy purchased a parcel of land from the Diocese of Pittsburgh that would be used for the new institution. This school was named Our Lady of Mercy Academy and was the precursor to Carlow University. Decades later, the same Sisters of Mercy established Mount Mercy College in place of Our Lady of Mercy Academy. With the motto “To the Eternal, not the Perishable”, Mount Mercy College began enrolling its first class of students in 1933. Over the next ten years, Mount Mercy College campus underwent a large amount of construction and growth. As part of this period of growth, Mount Mercy College was also renamed to Carlow College. The school continued to operate under the Carlow College name until 204. Having added more graduate programs and gaining university status, Carlow College was officially renamed to Carlow University in 2004. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carlow College currently enrolls a student body of over 2,000 students.
Home of the Celtics, Carlow University now offers a massive selection of academic programs and degrees to enrolled students. Students at Carlow University can choose from a few dozen different undergraduate programs as well as almost twenty Master’s degree programs and two doctoral programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By committing to online education, Carlow University has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Carlow Universtiy is a private institution.
Accreditation: Carlow University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $799/credit
Click here for a list of Carlow University’s online programs.
#11. Chatham University
Currently located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chatham University was founded in 1869. Reverend William Trimble Beatty founded Chatham University in December of 1869 as the Pennsylvania Female College. Run out of a mansion on Woodland Road, much of Chatham University’s modern campus is made up of private mansions from the 19th Century. In 1890, the Pennslyvania Female College was renamed to Pennsylvania College for Women. In 1955, the school was renamed to Chatham College. This name was selected in order to honor William Pitt, the 1st East of Chatham. William Pitt is whom the city of Pittsburgh is named after. Over the course of the coming decades, Chatham College would become a major player in the academic field of Pennsylvania. By 2007, Chatham College had grown so large in size and had added so many academic programs that the school was given university status and was renamed to Chatham University. Today, Chatham University enrolls a student body of approximately 2,300 students at its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania campus.
Home of the Cougars, Chatham University maintains a large catalog of academic programs from which students can choose to enroll. Currently, students at Chatham University have the ability to choose from over forty different undergraduate degrees offered at the school as well as over twenty different graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning Chatham University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Chatham University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $895/credit
Click here for a list of Chatham University’s online programs.
#12. Rosemont College
Founded in 1921, Rosemont College is a private Catholic liberal arts college. Founded by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Rosemont College is one of the oldest Catholic women’s colleges in the area. In the beginning, Rosemont College served to educate the Catholic women in the surrounding areas. Since the very beginning, the Society of Holy Child Jesus has helped to shape Rosemont College. Influencing many of the traditions and values of the institution, the Society of Holy Child Jesus has had a profound influence on Rosemont College. Over the course of Rosemont College’s history, Rosemont College has maintained a level of flexibility needed in order to meet the needs of the modern student. Adding undergraduate, and graduate programs in a timely manner, Rosemont College ensured that it was offering the types of programs and academic options that modern students were seeking. To help with Rosemont College’s growth, it was decided that the institution would become coeducational. Today, Rosemont College is home to a student body of just over 1,000 students.
With the motto “Lift your eyes to the hills”, Rosemont College offers students many different academic programs and degrees to enroll in. Currently, students at Rosemont College can choose from two dozen different undergraduate programs as well as a number of Masters and other graduate-level programs. Rosemont College offers many of these programs online, earning it a place on our list of the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Rosemont College is a private institution.
Accreditation: Rosemont College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $906/credit
Click here for a list of Rosemont College’s online programs.
#13. Robert Morris University
In 1921, Robert Morris University was established as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. Established by Andrew Blass, the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy was to serve the people of Pittsburgh by offering them the opportunity to gain an education in accounting. In the beginning, the classes at Pittsburgh School of Accountancy were offered to students out of the William Penn Hotel. For the next fifteen years, the school would continue to provide accounting educations out of the William Penn Hotel. In 1935, it was decided that the school would be renamed to the Robert Morris School of Business. Robert Morris was one of the nations’ Founding Fathers who had been commonly referred to as the “financier of the American Revolution.” That same year, Robert Morris University began to offer secretarial skills courses. Around this time in Robert Morris University’s history, it was decided to move the school to Moon Township, Pennsylvania. After purchasing a large piece of land known as Pine Hill Manor and Farm, the university was moved to Moon Township and began offering Associate’s degrees. The school was then rechartered as Robert Morris Junior College. In 1969, the school’s name was changed again to Robert Morris College and then finally to Robert Morris University in 2010. Today, Robert Morris University enrolls over 5,000 students.
Home of the Colonials, Robert Morris University offers students a wide selection of academic programs to enroll in. Currently, Robert Morris University has over sixty different Bachelor’s degree programs as well as twenty different Master’s and doctoral programs to enroll in. Robert Morris University offers many of these programs online which is why the school has earned a place among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Robert Morris University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Robert Morris University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $930/credit
Click here for a list of Robert Morris University’s online programs.
#14. Pennsylvania State University
The flagship of the University of Pennslyvania system, Pennsylvania State University was first established in 1855. Originally known as the Farmer’s High School of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University first operated as an agricultural school for students located in the surrounding area. After receiving a large donation of land from James Irvin, the school was able to expand. Renamed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, the school also received funding through the Morrill Land-Grant Act. The only school in all of Pennslyvania to be selected for the land-grant, the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania was soon renamed to Pennsylvania State College in 1874. This name change was precipitated by a desire to start to move the school’s curriculum towards a more classic education as opposed to its current agriculture-centric curriculum. Broadening the curriculum to include engineering, Pennsylvania State College soon became renowned for its engineering courses. In 1953, the Pennsylvania State College petitioned the state for university status and won. The school was then renamed to The Pennsylvania State University. Today, Pennsylvania State University is now home to almost 100,000 students.
One of the largest universities in the entire United States, Pennsylvania State University offers a large selection of academic programs for its student body. Currently, students at Pennsylvania State University can choose from over 160 different undergraduate programs as well as many different Masters and doctoral programs offered at the school. Students at Pennsylvania State University are also able to enroll in many of these programs entirely online earning it a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Pennslyvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $935/credit
Click here for a list of Pennslyvania State University’s online programs.
#15. La Salle University
Established in association with the Roman Catholic Church, La Salle University is one of Pennsylvania’s most prominent Catholic universities. Founded in 1863, La Salle University was originally named La Salle College. Operating as an all-male college, La Salle College was first operated out of St. Michael’s Parish in Philadelphia. The school soon moved to the recently vacated St. Joseph’s College. This move was shortlived as development within the Center City district of Philadelphia forced them to move once again to a former mansion owned by Michael Bouvier. This remained La Salle College’s home for a few decades until the school was forced to relocate once again in 1930. Outgrowing its mansion location, La Salle College moved to its current location on 19th Street. Finally settling into its campus, La Salle College began to attract students from across the city. Originally a male-only institution, La Salle College was able to boost further growth by admitting women to its regular classes in 1970. Now coeducational, La Salle College began to rapidly expand. Renamed to La Salle University, La Salle University is now home to over 6,000 students across its campus and online programs.
With the motto “Virtue, Knowledge”, La Salle University maintains a vast catalog of academic programs for students to choose from. As of today, La Salle University offers a focused selection of nearly two dozen different academic programs including graduate and undergraduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, La Salle University has demonstrated a commitment to online education and has placed among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. La Salle University is a private institution.
Accreditation: La Salle University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $994/credit
Click here for a list of La Salle University’s online programs.
#16. Cedar Crest College
Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Cedar Crest College is a private liberal arts college. Established in 1867, Cedar Crest College was founded in association with the United Church of Christ. Through this partnership, Cedar Crest College was able to gain the funding and support needed to begin its history. Originally, a women-only college, Cedar Crest College worked to educate the women in the surrounding areas of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Over the years, Cedar Crest College attracted women from across the state to enroll in the school. It was eventually decided to allow men to enroll in the school. However, men are only allowed evening and weekend programming at Cedar Crest College. By becoming partially coeducational, Cedar Crest College was able to attract even more students into its programs allowing it to grow even more. With this influx of students, Cedar Crest College was able to make a name for itself in Pennsylvania education. Still located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Cedar Crest College enrolls a student body of over 1,800 students.
With the motto “Divinity, Liberty and Knowledge”, Cedar Crest College has amassed a large catalog of academic programs for students to enroll in. As of today, Cedar Crest College offers students over a few dozen different academic programs from which to choose from. Many of these undergraduate offerings also have online counterparts for students to enroll in. Offering these online programs, Cedar Crest College has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennslyvania. Cedar Crest College is a private institution.
Accreditation: Cedar Crest College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,016/credit
Click here for a list of Cedar Crest College’s online programs.
#17. Saint Francis University
Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a Catholic liberal arts school. Established by six Franciscan Brothers from Mountbellew, Ireland, Saint Francis University was established on a plot of land donated by Michael O’Connor. The first Bishop of Pittsburgh, Michael O’Connor wanted to help the Brothers from Mountbellew, Ireland, in their plan to establish a Catholic college. Following its establishment, Saint Francis College was one of the first Catholic universities to be established in the United States and the first Franciscan college to be formed. In its early history, Saint Francis College only admitted men but this was eventually changed and women were admitted into its academic programs. Operating as Saint Francis College for most of its history, the school was recently renamed in 2001 to its current name of Saint Francis University. This name change was due to the school receiving university status from the state of Pennsylvania. Today, Saint Francis University enrolls nearly 2,500 students at its Loretto, Pennsylvania campus.
Students at Saint Francis University are afforded the ability to enroll in many different academic programs offered by the institution. Currently, Saint Francis University is offering dozens of undergraduate programs as well as many different graduate degree programs from which to enroll in. Saint Francis University also maintains a large among of online education programs. By offering so many online courses, Saint Francis University has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Saint Francis University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Saint Francis University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,057/credit
Click here for a list of Saint Francis University’s online programs.
#18. Duquesne University
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University was founded in 1878. Established by Father Joseph Strub, Duquesne University was originally established as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost. The Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost initially was operated out of a rented space located about a bakery in downtown Pittsburgh. Operating this way for the next thirty years, the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost then received its charter from the state of Pennsylvania. Chartered as a university, the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost was the first Catholic institution within the state to receive such a charter. Upon receiving this charter, it was decided that the school would be renamed to the Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost. This name was selected to honor the French governor of New France, Ange Duquesne de Menneville. He was chosen as he was the first person who brought the Catholic faith to the city of Pittsburgh. After receiving university status, Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost experienced rapid growth. Now known as the Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit, the institution is now home to a student body of over 10,000 students.
With the motto “It is the Spirit that gives life”, Duquesne University offers its students many different academic programs to enroll in. Duquesne University currently offers hundreds of academic programs across its nine different schools. These offerings include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Many of these programs are also offered to student entirely online earning Duquesne University a place among our ranking of the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Duquesne University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,060/credit
Click here for a list of Duquesne University’s online programs.
#19. Drexel University
A private research university, Drexel University was first established in 1891. Originally known as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, Drexel University was named after its founder Anthony J. Drexel. A philanthropist and financier from Philadelphia, Anthony J. Drexel wanted to create a university that would be for all people. Accepting of women and men, the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry was to provide students with opportunities to learn about the “practical arts and sciences”. From the very outset, the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry proved to be very popular. Growing over the course of the next few decades, the school was renamed in 1936 to the Drexel Institute of Technology. Continuing to grow and attract more students to its programs, the Drexel Institute of Technology was renamed in 1970 to Drexel University after gaining university status. During the late 90s and into the early 2000s, Drexel University underwent a massive overhaul of many of its academic programs. The largest expansion in the history of the university, this period of time set Drexel University up to enter into the 21st century with all the resources it would need to succeed. Today, Drexel University enrolls a student body of almost 27,000 students.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University offers its students a wide selection of academic programs to enroll in. As of today, students at Drexel University are able to choose from over seventy different undergraduate programs at the school. Drexel University also offers its students over 100 different Master’s and doctoral programs to enroll in, as well. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. This commitment to online education has earned Drexel University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Drexel University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,144/credit
Click here for a list of Drexel University’s online programs.
#20. Philadelphia University
Following the Centennial Exposition of 1876, local manufacturers from the Philadelphia-area realized that they were falling behind in comparison to their counterparts in the industry. Fearing that they might fall even further behind, the group formed the Philadelphia Association of Manufacturers of Textile Fabrics. This group of manufacturers would go on to partner with the Philadelphia Museum and School of Industrial Art to start the Philadelphia Textile School in 1884. The precursor to Philadelphia University, the Philadelphia Textile School opened its doors to students in November of 1884. Attracting the brightest minds from across the city, the Philadelphia Textile School’s growth was hampered by its lack of space. To facilitate for future growth, the school relocated to its current location which allowed the school to grow much more rapidly. In 1942, the state awarded the school the ability to offer Bachelor’s degrees prompting the school to be renamed to the Philadelphia Textile Institute. The school was renamed again in 1961 to the Philadephia College of Textiles & Science. In 1999, the school was renamed to Philadelphia University. Currently, Philadelphia University is in the process of merging with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to a student body of over 3,500 students.
Students at Philadelphia University are currently able to choose from a sizable selection of academic programs offered by the institution. As of today, students at Philadelphia University can choose to enroll in over twenty-five different undergraduate programs as well as almost twenty different graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students online. Philadephia University’s commitment to online learning has placed the institution among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Philadelphia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,280/credit
Click here for a list of Philadelphia University’s online programs.
#21. Elizabethtown College
Known to those enrolled as E-town, Elizabethtown College was established in 1889. Founded by members of the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College was established at the turn of the 19th Century. Following a trend of churches and church groups seeking out their own institutions of higher learning, Elizabethtown College was established as part of this same trend. Led by Reverend Jacob G. Francis, Elizabethtown College’s location was selected based upon its close proximity to the railways that ran through the town. Wanting to be at the nexus for travel, the group held its first classes in 1900. Primarily operating as an academy with high school-type classes in its first twenty years, the school gained its charter to give Bachelor’s degrees in 1921. By offering these programs Elizabethtown College began to attract even more students to its growing college. Just seven years later, Elizabethtown College received authorization from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to offer educations in pre-law education. Growing over the coming decades, Elizabethtown College is now renowned for its academic programs. Currently, Elizabethtown College is home to a student body of almost 2,000 students.
Elizabethtown College currently is offering a large selection of academic programs to its enrolled students. As of today, Elizabethtown College offers over ninety different undergraduate majors and minors to its student body. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. Offering these programs online, Elizabethtown College has earned a spot among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown College is a private institution.
Accreditation: Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,291/credit
Click here for a list of Elizabethtown College’s online programs.
#22. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh was founded as the Pittsburgh Academy in 1787. One of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the few institutions established in the 18th century. The oldest institution chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains, the University of Pittsburgh, was officially chartered by the state of Pennsylvania in 1787. Operating out of a two-story building in the city of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh has helped shape the city of Pittsburgh. In 1819, the charter for the Pittsburgh Academy was amended to university status prompting the school to be renamed to the Western University of Pennsylvania. The school was to be a sister school to the University of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia. However, the school was then pressured by the state to move away from liberal education towards more vocational training. Rejecting this plan, the University of Pittsburgh lost support from the city and state and nearly went under. However, this decision to strike out on its own helped mold the institution into the school it is today. Currently, the University of Pittsburgh is home to a student body of almost 29,000 students.
Home of the Panthers, the University of Pittsburgh offers students many different academic programs to enroll in. Currently, the University of Pittsburgh offers over fifty different undergraduate majors to choose from as well as an equally large list of minors. Students can also choose from a large selection of graduate programs offered at the school. Many of the programs offered to students are also offered entirely online earning the University of Pittsburgh a place among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. University of Pittsburgh is a private institution.
Accreditation: University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,295/credit
Click here for a list of University of Pittsburgh’s online programs.
#23. Saint Joseph’s University
Founded by the Society of Jesus, Saint Joseph’s University is a private Roman Catholic university. Established in 1851, Saint Joseph’s University was created by a group of members of the St. Joseph’s Church. Wanting to create an academic institution that would help to serve the Jesuit community, Saint Joseph’s University made good on what had been a century of planning. Originally named, Saint Joseph’s College, Saint Joseph’s University was headed up by Felix Barbelin. After five years of operation, Saint Joseph’s College moved from Old Saint Joseph’s to a spot on Filbert Street. This was shortlived as financial issues forced Saint Joseph’s College to return to its location on Willings Alley. In 1861, Saint Joseph’s College addressed its issues of growth by purchasing an entire city block. Moving to this new location, Saint Joseph’s College was ready to grow the school. This larger campus was only a stepping stone as it was determined in 1927 that the school would need to move to an even larger campus. Moving to City Avenue, Saint Joseph’s College was ready to grow. In 1970, the school became coeducational and in 1978 the school was renamed to Saint Joseph’s University. Today, Saint Joseph’s University enrolls a student body of almost 8,500 students.
Located in Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s University offers its students many different academic programs to enroll in. Currently, students at Saint Joseph’s University can choose from a catalog of hundreds of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. Offering these programs online, Saint Joseph’s University has earned a place among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Saint Joseph’s University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,492/credit
Click here for a list of Saint Joseph’s University’s online programs.
#24. Widener University
Established in 1821, Widener University is a private university located in Chester, Pennsylvania. Originally named The Bullock School for Boys, Widener University was initially located in Wilmington, Delaware. Operating out of Wilmington, Delaware for over forty years, it was decided that the school was to be relocated to West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1862. That same year, the school was incorporated by the Pennsylvania legislature as the Chester County Military Academy. Six years after moving to Chester, Pennsylvania, the school relocated to the site of its current campus. Serving as a military academy for much of its early history, the Chester County Military Academy was renamed in 1892 to the Pennsylvania Military College. For the next eighty years, the school would be referred to as the Pennsylvania Military College. This all changed in 1972 when the school was renamed to Widener College. This name was chosen to honor the Widener family who had been benefactors of the school. In 1979, the school was renamed once more after it was granted university status. At this point, the school was renamed to Widener University. Having expanded its curriculum, Widener University is now home to a student body of almost 6,500 students.
Widener University offers its students a large selection of academic programs to choose from at the school. Students at Widener University are able to choose from over sixty different undergraduate programs made available at the institution. Along with these undergraduate programs are a number of graduate programs and professional degrees. Widener University maintains a large online education presence and has placed among our top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Widener University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Widener University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,731/credit
Click here for a list of Widener University’s online programs.
#25. Villanova University
One of Pennsylvania’s most prominent private research universities, Villanova University was first established in 1842. With the motto “Truth, Unity, Charity”, Villanova University was established as the Augustinian College of Villanova. Opened in 1842, that school was short-lived as it was destroyed during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots. This was only a small hiccup in Villanova University’s history as the school was reopened again in 1846. Two years later, Villanova University was granted the ability to grant degrees. In 1859, the Augustinian College of Villanova granted its first-ever master’s degree. Closed throughout the Civil War, Villanova University experienced a surge of growth following the war. A male-only school at first, Villanova University began incorporating women into its programs in 1918 but wasn’t fully coeducational until 1953. Renamed to Villanova University, the school was named after Saint Thomas of Villanova. Founded by the Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova University is the oldest Catholic university in all of Pennsylvania. Currently, Villanova University enrolls almost 11,000 students.
Home to the Wildcats, Villanova University has a large catalog of academic programs that it offers its students. For those who choose to enroll in Villanova University, those students are able to choose from hundreds of different academic programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. A good amount of these academic programs are also offered to students entirely online. Villanova University has earned a place among the top online universities and colleges in Pennsylvania due to its commitment to online education. Villanova University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $2,921/credit
Click here for a list of all of Villanova University’s online programs.
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