10 Most Popular Online Colleges In Pennsylvania

Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania’s online options span all budgets, from Harrisburg University at about $11,400/year ($380/credit) to the University of Pennsylvania at $58,620/year.
• Temple University leads with 25 fully online degrees, AACSB-accredited business programs, and flexible asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid formats.
• Penn State World Campus offers 200+ online degrees, certificates, and minors, operating fully online since 1998.
• Public university tuition averages $16,217 in Pennsylvania, above the national average, yet statewide cuts have lowered tuition by ~10% in the last five years.
• Strong job growth is projected through 2033 in fields like marine engineering (45%), neurology (42%), and atmospheric science (35%).

Pennsylvania’s online colleges offer a flexible and accessible path to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs for students across the Keystone State, whether you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or a rural community. These institutions serve a wide range of learners with programs in healthcare, engineering, business, special education, STEM, and emerging technologies that support the state’s aging population and infrastructure needs.

Although Pennsylvania’s public universities average $16,217 per year for in-state tuition, the state has reduced tuition by roughly 10% over the past five years. Online study helps offset remaining costs by letting you work while earning your degree and eliminating expensive housing in metro areas. You also gain access to nationally respected institutions, including Temple University, Penn State’s World Campus, and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, along with specialized formats like asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid learning.

Students benefit from a wide variety of program structures and support services. Temple and Drexel offer AACSB-accredited business programs, while Penn State World Campus provides over 200 online degrees and certificates. Drexel participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible veterans, Villanova and DeSales offer accelerated seven-week terms, and Slippery Rock focuses on degree completion for returning adult learners. Whether you’re seeking affordability, flexibility, or a specific industry pathway, Pennsylvania’s online colleges provide accessible options for a broad range of goals.

Top 10 Online Colleges In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s online college landscape includes a wide range of respected institutions, from affordable STEM-focused universities to nationally ranked research and Ivy League options. These ten colleges stand out for their academic quality, flexibility, accreditation standards, and program variety, offering strong value despite the state’s higher-than-average tuition costs.

Temple University

Temple University in Philadelphia offers flexible online learning through the Fox School of Business and other colleges. You can choose asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid formats to match your schedule, with multiple fully online BBA options and graduate pathways.

Main Online Programs

25 fully online degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including business administration (multiple BBA majors), education, public health, social work, information science, and liberal arts. AACSB-accredited business programs.

Pros

• AACSB accreditation for business programs
• Flexible delivery, including asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid
• Transfer-friendly pathways that can shorten the time to a degree
• Extensive university resources and career services are available online

Cons

• Two primary start terms per year limit start-date flexibility
• Higher per-credit costs for many programs
• Nonresident pricing is significantly higher for on-campus programs

Average Annual Tuition

$21,014

Drexel University

Drexel University is known for experiential education and strong support for military learners. Its online programs carry respected accreditations and offer special pricing on select undergraduate programs.

Main Online Programs

150+ online degrees and certificates across business, computing and informatics, nursing and health professions, education, engineering, and library and information science. Yellow Ribbon participant for eligible veterans.

Pros

• Yellow Ribbon Program for eligible veterans
• Select online undergrad programs priced at $488 per credit
• Multiple program accreditations, including AACSB, CCNE, and ALA
• Military transition pathways and broad graduate selection

Cons

• Many offerings are graduate-level rather than undergraduate
• Standard tuition is among the highest in the state
• Philadelphia-based services may involve on-campus pricing differentials

Average Annual Tuition

$58,293

Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Penn State World Campus has delivered online education since 1998 and offers one of the nation’s largest catalogs, with consistent pricing regardless of residency.

Main Online Programs

200+ online degrees, certificates, and minors in business, engineering, education, health, psychology, criminal justice, turfgrass science, IT, and spatial data science.

Pros

• One of the broadest program selections nationwide
• Big Ten brand recognition and alumni network
• Consistent tuition regardless of residency
• Robust online advising, student success, and career support

Cons

• Program choice can feel overwhelming
• Some specialized programs have unique fee structures and prerequisites
• Competitive courses may have limited seats each term

Average Annual Tuition

$15,204

University Of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania offers Ivy League online pathways aimed at working professionals, including a fully online bachelor for adult learners and targeted graduate degrees.

Main Online Programs

Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with multiple concentrations, plus online master’s programs in areas such as education, healthcare, data, and organizational leadership, and a limited online doctoral option.

Pros

• Ivy League prestige and professional network
• Mix of self-paced and accelerated formats for working adults
• Many programs are aligned with professional credentials or accreditation
• Access to Penn faculty and resources in select programs

Cons

• Premium tuition costs
• Highly selective admissions
• Not every concentration follows an accelerated calendar

Average Annual Tuition

$58,620

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University focuses on degree completion for adult learners who bring prior college credits or an associate degree, with rolling admission options.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s completion programs across business, healthcare, and liberal arts; plus online master’s and select doctoral offerings. Most undergraduate online programs are designed for transfer students with prior credits.

Pros

• Designed for completing your undergraduate degree
• Rolling admissions and multiple annual starts
• Minimal price difference between in-state and out-of-state per credit
• Strong online student services and advising

Cons

• Many bachelor’s programs require 60 prior credits
• Limited options for first-time, no-credit students
• Narrower major selection than large research universities

Average Annual Tuition

$7,716

Villanova University

Villanova University serves working professionals with accelerated courses and generous transfer policies, including combined bachelor’s to master’s paths.

Main Online Programs

22 online degree and certificate offerings, including business, HR, leadership, entrepreneurship, information systems and technology, and public service. Seven-week accelerated terms; transfer up to 90 credits in select programs.

Pros

• Seven-week accelerated courses for faster progress
• Transfer-friendly, including stackable and dual-degree options
• Strong alumni network and professional outcomes focus
• Flexible online and hybrid delivery models

Cons

• Premium private tuition
• Selective programs may require additional materials or prerequisites
• Smaller catalog than very large universities

Average Annual Tuition

$63,806

DeSales University

DeSales University specializes in accelerated online bachelor’s degrees with multiple start dates, built to fit around full-time work.

Main Online Programs

About 25 online degrees and certificates, with most bachelor’s classes in seven-week accelerated blocks. Programs include business, criminal justice, healthcare administration, communication, and computing.

Pros

• Nearly all bachelor’s programs run in accelerated seven-week terms
• Rolling admissions with frequent start dates
• Career-readiness integrated into coursework
• Option to audit certain courses at reduced cost

Cons

• Private tuition level
• Some programs prefer prior professional or academic experience
• Selected graduate degrees require minimum GPA thresholds

Average Annual Tuition

$43,000

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University offers one of Pennsylvania’s widest online graduate catalogs, plus niche certificates for targeted upskilling.

Main Online Programs

75 online master’s degrees and graduate certificates in areas such as construction management, data science, health and public health, design and innovation, and cannabis business; select accelerated online bachelor’s options.

Pros

• Extensive graduate and certificate selection for focused upskilling
• Certificates are often completed within about a year
• Accelerated online bachelor’s options are priced below on-campus programs
• Strong connections to healthcare and applied industries

Cons

• Graduate-heavy catalog with fewer undergraduate options
• Per-credit pricing varies by program
• Private tuition level

Average Annual Tuition

$44,400

Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology

Harrisburg University is a STEM-focused private university with consistent pricing for all students and online programs aligned to high-demand fields.

Main Online Programs

Online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity, computer and information sciences, e-sports management, healthcare informatics, analytics, and project management.

Pros

• Consistent pricing regardless of residency
• STEM concentrations aligned to high-growth careers
• One-on-one access to admissions and academic advisors
• High online enrollment share and flexible formats

Cons

• STEM-heavy catalog with fewer non-STEM options
• Graduate tuition per credit is higher than undergraduate tuition
• The smaller university scale may limit elective breadth

Average Annual Tuition

$23,900

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University emphasizes personalized support and career preparation with one-on-one guidance throughout your online journey.

Main Online Programs

Undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health sciences, information systems, education, and leadership are supported by dedicated counselors, financial aid advisors, academic advisors, and tech staff.

Pros

• Individualized advising and student success support
• 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio for meaningful interaction
• Programmatic accreditation in key areas like MHA, MBA, and MSN
• Outcomes focus, including career coaching and employer connections

Cons

• Smaller selection of fully online bachelor’s degrees
• Private tuition level
• Some programs may require occasional synchronous components

Average Annual Tuition

$33,360

Tuition and mandatory fee amounts change regularly and can vary by program, course load, credit amount, and delivery format. The figures listed here reflect the latest numbers available and are intended for comparison only. Always confirm the current annual tuition and required fees on the university’s official website before applying.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Enrolling in a Pennsylvania online program means meeting a few core requirements that confirm eligibility, support credit transfer, and help you secure financial aid. These steps also ensure your chosen program aligns with accreditation standards, professional goals, and the level of flexibility you need.

Complete Online Application Process

Most institutions use their own online portals, with some offering rolling admissions and others following traditional fall and spring start dates. Selective universities may require more extensive application materials, while degree-completion and adult-learning programs tend to offer more accessible entry routes.

Submit Official Transcripts and Test Scores

You’ll typically need official high school or college transcripts. Some programs are test-optional, while others may require standardized scores, prerequisite coursework, or prior credits. Transfer-friendly institutions often accept large credit blocks, which can shorten your degree timeline.

Verify Pennsylvania Residency Documentation

If you want in-state tuition at public institutions, you’ll need to document at least 12 months of Pennsylvania residency. Accepted documents usually include a state ID, voter registration, tax filings, or employment records. Many online private colleges charge the same tuition regardless of where you live.

Meet Program-Specific Requirements

Some degrees require additional materials, such as a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, prerequisite coursework, a personal statement, or professional experience. Graduate-level and licensure-related programs (like business, nursing, or education) often have stricter academic requirements.

Verify Technology Requirements

Online programs typically require a reliable computer, stable high-speed internet, and access to a learning management system. Depending on the course format, you may also need videoconferencing capabilities, specific software, or readiness for accelerated seven-week terms.

Submit Financial Aid Applications

Complete the FAFSA early and explore Pennsylvania-specific grants, last-dollar scholarship programs, foundation awards, and school-based aid. Many programs support working adults, veterans, and returning learners, and online students are generally eligible for the same federal aid as on-campus students.

How Do Pennsylvania Online College Costs Compare to National Averages?

Pennsylvania’s online college costs tend to be higher than national norms. In-state public tuition averages around $16,217, compared to the national average of $9,750 for four-year public institutions. Out-of-state tuition also exceeds the national average, and private tuition typically surpasses the typical national rates.

Despite this, Pennsylvania has made meaningful progress in cost management, including an approximate 10% tuition reduction over the past five years at many public institutions. Online learning further enhances overall affordability by eliminating major expenses, such as housing in large metropolitan areas, parking, transportation, and campus fees. Accelerated formats, year-round scheduling, and transfer-credit pathways can also shorten the total time and cost required to complete a degree.

Financial aid opportunities, both federal and Pennsylvania-specific, add additional value. Many statewide scholarships support online learners, and adult learners can often reduce costs further through credit for prior learning, employer tuition assistance, and program-specific grants.

What Are the Tuition Fees for Out-of-State Students at Online Colleges in Pennsylvania?

Out-of-state students usually pay higher tuition at Pennsylvania’s public universities because the state does not participate in broad tuition reciprocity agreements. This means nonresidents rarely receive automatic regional discounts. However, many online programs at private institutions charge the same tuition regardless of residency, making them attractive alternatives for students outside Pennsylvania.

Online learning softens cost differences by eliminating housing and transportation expenses, allowing students to work remotely while enrolled. Some institutions also offer reduced online-only tuition bands or discounted per-credit options for certain programs. Veterans and military-affiliated students often gain access to additional funding support, including scholarships and full-tuition coverage through federal programs.

Overall, while out-of-state public tuition in Pennsylvania tends to exceed national averages, online delivery formats, private institutions offering flat pricing, and strong financial aid opportunities can help keep total costs competitive for nonresidents.

How Does University of the People Compare with the Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania?

University of the People offers a very different cost model compared to Pennsylvania’s online institutions. Instead of paying traditional tuition, you only pay a one-time application fee and assessment fees of $160 per course for undergraduate programs. A full bachelor’s degree typically totals around $6,400 plus a graduation fee, which is significantly lower than even the most affordable online option in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania public universities average over $16,000 per year for in-state students, and private online programs often range much higher. Even when factoring in Pennsylvania’s financial aid programs and recent tuition reductions, total degree costs still exceed what you would pay at University of the People. This makes UoPeople especially appealing if you want a predictable, fully online structure without tuition, or if you live outside Pennsylvania and want to avoid higher out-of-state rates.

UoPeople is also designed for maximum flexibility, allowing you to study from anywhere and move at a pace that fits your schedule. It provides an accredited alternative that keeps total expenses low, making it a strong option for cost-conscious students compared to national online opportunities.

Ready to Choose the Best Online College in Pennsylvania?

Choosing the right online program starts with understanding your goals, budget, and preferred learning style. Take time to attend virtual information sessions, speak with admissions or advising teams, and explore how each institution structures its online courses. Some offer accelerated pathways, while others focus on adult learners returning to complete a degree, and still others provide more traditional semester schedules.

Review each program’s total cost, not just the sticker price. Consider whether tuition varies by residency, whether financial aid applies to online formats, and how transfer credits or employer tuition benefits might reduce your expenses. Pay attention to the types of support available to online learners, such as tutoring, technical assistance, and career services.

Pennsylvania’s online universities offer a diverse range of academic strengths, encompassing business and healthcare, STEM, education, and professional certificates. Whether you want a flexible format, a specific specialization, a faster path to graduation, or the most affordable long-term option, you can find a program that aligns with your career plans and everyday life.

FAQs

What is the cheapest online college in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s most affordable online option is typically a STEM-focused private institution with low per-credit pricing for both in-state and out-of-state learners.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Pennsylvania?

Adult-focused and degree-completion programs tend to offer the most accessible admission routes, often with rolling start dates and fewer competitive requirements.

How much does online college cost in Pennsylvania?

In-state tuition at public universities averages around $16,217 per year. Private institutions typically cost more, and out-of-state tuition at public universities exceeds the national average.

Is online college free in Pennsylvania?

No. However, financial aid, grants, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits can reduce total costs. Some students may qualify for last-dollar scholarship programs or need-based aid.

Do I need to be a resident of Pennsylvania to attend an online college in Pennsylvania?

No. Anyone can apply, but only Pennsylvania residents qualify for in-state rates at public institutions. Many private universities charge the same tuition for all online learners.

Does Pennsylvania participate in tuition reciprocity agreements?

Not broadly. The state does not have a statewide reciprocity program, so out-of-state students generally do not receive reduced regional tuition.