In 2013, over 60 of Pennsylvania's four-year public schools offered distance learning options for students. Penn State has been offering distance learning for over 100 years, with their first correspondence course founded in 1892. In 1998, Penn State was one of the first major accredited universities to provide entirely online degree degree programs. The university now offers over 20 distance learning undergraduate degrees, nearly 40 Masters programs and online doctoral degrees and certificates.
Tuition costs in Pennsylvania have steadily increased in recent years, with a 33.5% spike between 2006 and 2012. Two -year public schools experienced a 30% increase in tuition between 2004 and 2014, and four-year schools experienced a 27.5% increase during this time. Inflation costs can partially be credited to a 30.7% decrease in state funding for higher education between 2008 and 2014. Despite rising education expenses, enrollment has steadily increased in Pennsylvania, with a 17.4% increase between 2000 and 2009. Pennsylvania has the 9th best graduation rate in the nation at 63.4% and has an 80.9% first-year student retention rate.
Explore our extensive database below for more information on Pennsylvania's top online degree programs. Find financial planning resources, and links to organizations dedicated to assisting students find scholarships and loans.
Featured Online Programs
163 Colleges in Pennsylvania
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA · Tuition & fees: $32,350
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA · Tuition & fees: $32,000
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA · Tuition & fees: $39,800
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA · Tuition & fees: $27,190
Saint Francis University
Loretto, PA · Tuition & fees: $31,078
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA · Tuition & fees: $31,280
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- PA529 GSP: A 529 plan that 'guarantees' contribution earnings based on tuition increases, rather than market changes. The intent is that the amount accumulated in the account is sufficient to pay for tuition at the state school chosen by the student. The current maximum contribution is $452,210 per student.
- PA529: A standard 529 plan, investments can be made in any of 13 plans managed by the Vanguard Group. Contributions may be deducted from income on PA state tax returns, up to $14,000 per student per year ($28,000 for married filing joint returns.) Funds may be used to pay for college anywhere in the country, and the program offers discounts to more than 300 colleges nationwide.
Education Nonprofits
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA): PHEAA offers college planning and financial planning assistance to state residents and students attending Pennsylvania schools.
Higher Education News
- Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE): The PASSHE site hosts news and events from around the state, as well as a portal to information about the colleges in the state.