Rankings / By State (Affordable)
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania
- 50
- Schools
- $52,644
- Avg. Earnings
- 40%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,434
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,289
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $35,703 to $67,416, a 1.9× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Bucks County Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $47,324 in median earnings against $6,389 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Williamson College of the Trades is the lowest-cost school here at $1,545 a year in net price.
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York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education graduates 90% of its students, versus a 40% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.17× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Westmoreland County Community College ($37,439 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, La Salle University ($67,416), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- On value, Bucks County Community College beats La Salle University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education finishes 90% of students while Community College of Beaver County finishes 17%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Bucks County Community College and York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $53K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Westmoreland County Community College #1 overall | $37,439 ▼ -29% vs avg | $5,167 | 28% | 82 |
| 2 Bucks County Community College #2 overall | $47,324 ▼ -10% vs avg | $6,389 | 30% | 81 |
| 3 Butler County Community College #3 overall | $38,891 ▼ -26% vs avg | $6,233 | 34% | 81 |
| $38,752 ▼ -26% vs avg | $6,200 | 39% | 81 | |
| $45,391 ▼ -14% vs avg | $6,576 | 22% | 80 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,644 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 40% and an average net price of $14,434.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Bucks County Community College — Net Price: $6,389 | Graduation Rate: 30%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education — 90% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: La Salle University — Median alumni earnings: $67,416
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Affordability & ROI Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about getting a real return on a degree?
$53,032
Median earnings (10yr)
33%
Median graduation rate
$15,449
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
A value ranking asks the question families actually care about: which school delivers the strongest outcome for the least cost and debt. The winners are rarely the cheapest schools or the highest earners. They are the ones that pair a low net price, what students pay after grants, with graduates who go on to earn. That is the definition of return on investment.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $53,032 ten years after they first enrolled, about $5,032 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 33%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,449 a year, with about $24,250 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 39% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.3%.
What we’re seeing: value clusters at schools that hold net price down without sacrificing earnings. The median net price here is $15,449, with graduates earning a median of $53,032 ten years after enrollment. Strong results without heavy debt: that combination is the quiet argument for where higher education is headed.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Westmoreland County Community College lands at #1 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $37,439 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,167 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Bucks County Community College lands at #2 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $47,324 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,389 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Butler County Community College lands at #3 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (40/100). Graduates earn a median $38,891 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,233 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College lands at #4 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,752 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,200 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Delaware County Community College lands at #5 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $45,391 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,576 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Community College of Beaver County lands at #6 with a 79/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,090 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,937 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Williamson College of the Trades lands at #7 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (97/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Net price runs $1,545 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Lehigh Carbon Community College lands at #8 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,436 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,203 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Reading Area Community College lands at #9 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $39,082 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,228 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Luzerne County Community College lands at #10 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $40,437 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,433 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Montgomery County Community College lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,108 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,124 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Holy Family University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $62,235 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,143 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Manor College lands at #13 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $46,825 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,078 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Community College of Philadelphia lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $40,852 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,911 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Northampton County Area Community College lands at #15 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $41,566 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,119 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Lincoln University lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,167 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,977 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Lemont Furnace, PA · 95% accepted · $14,596 net
Why it ranks #17
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,596 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Lancaster, PA · 71% accepted · $14,104 net
Why it ranks #18
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,681 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,104 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Community College of Allegheny County lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $39,449 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,970 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $37,837 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,265 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Harrisburg Area Community College lands at #21 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $42,007 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,471 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $66,125 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,350 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
McKeesport, PA · 96% accepted · $15,521 net
Why it ranks #23
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,521 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Indiana University of Pennsylvania lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $51,019 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,804 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Bloomsburg, PA · 93% accepted · $15,699 net
Why it ranks #25
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania lands at #25 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $52,416 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,699 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center lands at #26 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $38,008 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,419 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Harrisburg, PA · 87% accepted · $15,376 net
Why it ranks #27
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology lands at #27 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $52,374 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,376 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Dallas, PA · 97% accepted · $16,448 net
Why it ranks #28
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre lands at #28 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,448 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
East Stroudsburg, PA · 92% accepted · $18,134 net
Why it ranks #29
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania lands at #29 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $56,148 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,134 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
York, PA · $13,490 net
Why it ranks #30
York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education lands at #30 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (73/100). Graduates earn a median $54,322 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,490 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Waynesburg University lands at #31 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $58,537 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,235 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Monaca, PA · 96% accepted · $17,418 net
Why it ranks #32
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver lands at #32 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (31/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,418 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
DuBois, PA · 97% accepted · $17,428 net
Why it ranks #33
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois lands at #33 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (31/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,428 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Hazleton, PA · 96% accepted · $17,597 net
Why it ranks #34
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton lands at #34 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,597 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg lands at #35 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $66,125 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,945 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Abington, PA · 97% accepted · $18,071 net
Why it ranks #36
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington lands at #36 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,071 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown lands at #37 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $66,125 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,202 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
York College of Pennsylvania lands at #38 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $61,012 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,556 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Dunmore, PA · 99% accepted · $17,910 net
Why it ranks #39
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton lands at #39 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,910 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Cedar Crest College lands at #40 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $59,460 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,659 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Lycoming College lands at #41 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $56,210 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,140 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Center Valley, PA · 97% accepted · $18,220 net
Why it ranks #42
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley lands at #42 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,220 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Pennsylvania Western University lands at #43 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $47,295 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,256 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
New Kensington, PA · 95% accepted · $18,305 net
Why it ranks #44
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington lands at #44 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,305 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Sharon, PA · 92% accepted · $18,095 net
Why it ranks #45
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango lands at #45 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,095 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology lands at #46 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $35,703 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,850 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
La Salle University lands at #47 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $67,416 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,409 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Mercyhurst University lands at #48 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $47,452 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,444 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Slippery Rock, PA · 71% accepted · $19,608 net
Why it ranks #49
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania lands at #49 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $53,032 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,608 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Mont Alto, PA · 98% accepted · $19,454 net
Why it ranks #50
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto lands at #50 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (34/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,454 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When it comes to higher education in Pennsylvania, affordability is a major consideration for students and families. The schools on this list share a commitment to keeping costs low, making college more accessible without sacrificing quality. For many prospective students, the net price — the amount students actually pay after financial aid — is a crucial factor in their decision-making process.
What sets these colleges apart is not just their low net prices, but also their outcomes. Graduating on time, securing good jobs, and managing student debt are all vital metrics. The average earnings for graduates from these institutions stand at $52,694, while the average graduation rate is 39%. These figures give us a clearer picture of what students can expect after they leave school, emphasizing the importance of balancing cost with future earning potential.
For example, Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood offers a net price of $5,167 and graduates 28% of its students, leading to average earnings of $37,439. In contrast, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has a slightly higher net price of $6,200 but boasts a better graduation rate of 39% and higher earnings at $38,752. These differences highlight the trade-offs that students must consider as they weigh their options in pursuit of a degree.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 24 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.3%. Community College of Philadelphia leads the group at 2.8%, with Waynesburg University (2.4%) and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (2.3%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 11% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania leads at 27.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 13.9% across this list. La Salle University posts the highest success rate at 42.8%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.35 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Lycoming College reaches 1.67, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Looking closely at the data reveals a significant contrast between two schools: Westmoreland County Community College and Butler County Community College. While Westmoreland has a lower net price of $5,167, it also has a graduation rate of only 28% compared to Butler’s 34%. This difference in completion rates reflects how one school may better support students in finishing their degrees, which ultimately impacts earning potential.
For students reviewing this list of 50 schools, it’s important to weigh these numbers against personal priorities. Consider factors like location, specific programs of interest, and the overall campus experience. A school with a slightly higher net price may provide better support services that lead to a higher graduation rate, which could translate into better job opportunities post-graduation.
The implications of these data points extend beyond just college choices. With college graduates earning an average of $52,694, the path to financial stability often hinges on selecting a school that not only fits the budget but also fosters completion and career readiness. For families, this decision is not just about education; it's about setting a solid foundation for a future that includes stable employment and economic mobility.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking? +
Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, PA ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $37,439 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 28% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
La Salle University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $67,416 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,644 average across the 49 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Bucks County Community College leads: graduates earn a median $47,324 against net price of about $6,389 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
York County School of Technology-Adult & Continuing Education has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 90%, compared with a 40% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,434 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Williamson College of the Trades is among the most affordable at roughly $1,545. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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