Pennsylvania has one of the most historic and academically diverse higher‑education landscapes in the United States. The state is home to major public research universities, a large network of regional campuses, nationally recognized private institutions, and extensive community and technical colleges.

This guide organizes Pennsylvania’s colleges into clear categories.

🏛️ 1. Public Universities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s public system includes two major networks:

• Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)
• State‑related universities (publicly supported but independently governed)

State‑Related Universities

These are Pennsylvania’s largest public research institutions:

• Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) – University Park
• University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
• Temple University – Philadelphia
• Lincoln University – Lincoln University

PASSHE Universities

• West Chester University – West Chester
• Bloomsburg University – Bloomsburg
• Shippensburg University – Shippensburg
• Millersville University – Millersville
• Kutztown University – Kutztown
• Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) – Indiana
• California University of Pennsylvania – California
• Clarion University – Clarion
• Cheyney University – Cheyney
• East Stroudsburg University – East Stroudsburg
• Mansfield University – Mansfield
• Lock Haven University – Lock Haven

🏫 2. Public Regional & Branch Campuses

Penn State, Pitt, and Temple operate multiple branch campuses across the state.

Examples

• Penn State Altoona
• Penn State Harrisburg
• Penn State Behrend (Erie)
• Penn State Berks
• University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
• University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
• Temple University Harrisburg

These campuses expand access across rural and suburban regions.

🎓 3. Private Colleges & Universities

Pennsylvania has some of the most prestigious private institutions in the country.

Major Private Research Universities

• University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia
• Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh
• Lehigh University – Bethlehem
• Drexel University – Philadelphia
• Villanova University – Villanova

Private Liberal Arts Colleges

• Swarthmore College – Swarthmore
• Haverford College – Haverford
• Bryn Mawr College – Bryn Mawr
• Dickinson College – Carlisle
• Franklin & Marshall College – Lancaster
• Gettysburg College – Gettysburg
• Lafayette College – Easton
• Bucknell University – Lewisburg

🏫 4. Community Colleges

Pennsylvania operates 15 community colleges, serving as major transfer pipelines.

Examples

• Community College of Philadelphia
• Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
• Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
• Montgomery County Community College
• Northampton Community College
• Bucks County Community College

🔧 5. Technical & Specialized Colleges

Examples

• Pennsylvania College of Technology – Williamsport
• Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology – Lancaster
• Curtis Institute of Music – Philadelphia
• Moore College of Art & Design – Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – West Mifflin

📚 Summary

Pennsylvania’s higher‑education system includes:

• State‑related public research universities
• 14 PASSHE universities
• Hundreds of private institutions
• 15 community colleges
• Specialized arts, music, and technical schools