Pennsylvania is home to a robust network of higher education institutions, including 14 state schools that play a pivotal role in providing affordable and accessible educational opportunities to residents of the Keystone State. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate degrees to doctoral programs, and are committed to fostering academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement.

1. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg University is a public, comprehensive university located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1839, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health professions.
- Bloomsburg University has a strong commitment to community engagement and offers a variety of outreach programs and services to the surrounding region.
2. California University of Pennsylvania
- California University of Pennsylvania is a public, comprehensive university located in California, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1852, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic disciplines.
- California University of Pennsylvania is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in the areas of education, business, and nursing.
3. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a public, historically black university located in Cheyney, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is the oldest historically black university in the United States.
- The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
4. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public, comprehensive university located in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1867, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Clarion University of Pennsylvania is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and social work.
5. East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- East Stroudsburg University is a public, comprehensive university located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1893, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- East Stroudsburg University has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
6. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Edinboro University is a public, comprehensive university located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1857, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Edinboro University is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and social work.
7. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public, comprehensive university located in Indiana, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1871, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic disciplines.
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in the areas of business, education, and nursing.
8. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Kutztown University is a public, comprehensive university located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1866, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Kutztown University has a strong commitment to community engagement and offers a variety of outreach programs and services to the surrounding region.
9. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
- Lock Haven University is a public, comprehensive university located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1870, the university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Lock Haven University is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and social work.
10. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
- Mansfield University is a public, comprehensive university located in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1857, the university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Mansfield University has a strong commitment to providing affordable and accessible educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds.
11. Millersville University of Pennsylvania
- Millersville University is a public, comprehensive university located in Millersville, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1855, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Millersville University is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and social work.
12. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Shippensburg University is a public, comprehensive university located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1871, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Shippensburg University is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in the areas of business, education, and nursing.
13. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock University is a public, comprehensive university located in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1889, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
- Slippery Rock University is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and social work.
14. West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- West Chester University is a public, comprehensive university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
- Founded in 1812, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic disciplines.
- West Chester University is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in the areas of business, education, and nursing.
Conclusion
The 14 state schools in Pennsylvania play a vital role in the educational landscape of the Keystone State. These institutions provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to residents from all backgrounds and offer a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. As Pennsylvania continues to invest in higher education, the state schools will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force for economic growth and prosperity in the region.
Table 1: State Schools in Pennsylvania
Rank | University | Location | Founded | Undergraduate Enrollment | Total Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | 1855 | 46,857 | 97,343 |
2 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | 1787 | 28,488 | 33,616 |
3 | Temple University | Philadelphia | 1884 | 38,883 | 40,093 |
4 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | 1891 | 27,283 | 28,789 |
5 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | 1865 | 7,396 | 7,756 |
6 | Villanova University | Villanova | 1842 | 10,663 | 11,592 |
7 | Bucknell University | Lewisburg | 1846 | 3,825 | 4,087 |
8 | Lafayette College | Easton | 1826 | 2,661 | 2,894 |
9 | Swarthmore College | Swarthmore | 1864 | 1,510 | 1,653 |
10 | Haverford College | Haverford | 1833 | 1,274 | 1,363 |
11 | Dickinson College | Carlisle | 1773 | 2,396 | 2,616 |
12 | Franklin & Marshall College | Lancaster | 1787 | 2,506 | 2,748 |
13 | University of the Sciences | Philadelphia | 1821 | 3,486 | 3,714 |
14 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | 1900 | 14,030 | 15,308 |
Table 2: Academic Programs Offered by State Schools in Pennsylvania
University | Undergraduate Programs | Graduate Programs |
---|---|---|
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | 60+ | 20+ |
California University of Pennsylvania | 100+ | 50+ |
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | 30+ | 10+ |
Clarion University of Pennsylvania | 60+ | 30+ |
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | 60+ | 20+ |
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | 60+ | 20+ |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania | 100+ | 50+ |
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | 60+ | 20+ |
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania | 50+ | 20+ |