2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Pennsylvania
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Pennsylvania? This list ranks 315 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated 63 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Pennsylvania. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,462 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Cabrini College one of the best values in Pennsylvania. Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit school based in Radnor, PA. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,889. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrini College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Scranton earned it the #3 place in Pennsylvania. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Scranton profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilson College earned it the #4 place in Pennsylvania. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $34,814. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,326. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wilson College report
You'll get strong value at York College Pennsylvania, which ranked #5 this year. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. York College Pennsylvania Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on York College Pennsylvania
Westminster College Pa placed #6 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,290. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Marywood University landed the #7 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,744. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Saint Vincent College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Latrobe, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. Graduates carry a median of $26,986 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,982. That is a strong return on a $26,986 median debt. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Saint Vincent College
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Holy Family University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,562. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Holy Family University report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,307. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,330. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,867. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,486 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report
Messiah College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,195. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,064. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Messiah College
La Roche College placed #17 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, La Roche College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,052. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $27,078. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,341. That is a strong return on a $27,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full La Roche College profile
Cedar Crest College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,314. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $30,759. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,460. Set against $30,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Cedar Crest College
Gwynedd Mercy College landed the #22 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,838. Gwynedd Mercy College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,764 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gwynedd Mercy College has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Gwynedd Mercy College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Lancaster Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Lancaster, PA, Lancaster Bible College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,990 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,507. Lancaster Bible College alumni report median earnings of $44,096 a decade after entry. Set against $28,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Lancaster Bible College
Saint Josephs University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Students borrow a median of $26,426 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $86,881 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,426 median debt. Saint Josephs University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Saint Josephs University
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. This public school is set in East Stroudsburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,527. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. That is a strong return on a $26,527 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
Villanova University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
Immaculata University landed the #29 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Immaculata University is a private not-for-profit school based in Immaculata, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,980. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,738. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,701. Set against $27,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Immaculata University profile
Thomas Jefferson University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,355. Thomas Jefferson University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,449 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Thomas Jefferson University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Seton Hill University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Greensburg, PA, Seton Hill University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,944. Seton Hill University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,556 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,748 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,556 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seton Hill University
Chatham University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,001. Graduates carry a median of $24,261 in student loans. Chatham University alumni report median earnings of $52,410 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,261 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read more about Chatham University
Alvernia University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Alvernia University is a private not-for-profit school based in Reading, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,000. Alvernia University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $31,900 in debt. Alvernia University alumni report median earnings of $55,055 a decade after entry. Set against $31,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alvernia University admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Alvernia University report
Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary landed the #34 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,500. Graduates carry a median of $26,857 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,860 ten years after entry. Set against $26,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary profile
Waynesburg University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Waynesburg University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waynesburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Waynesburg University report
Temple University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Temple University
Gannon University landed the #35 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Erie, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,656. Graduates carry a median of $26,934 in student loans. Gannon University alumni report median earnings of $58,845 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,934 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gannon University profile
Desales University placed #38 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,800. Graduates carry a median of $27,524 in student loans. Desales University alumni report median earnings of $61,295 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,524 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Desales University
Neumann University placed #39 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Neumann University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aston, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,100. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,450. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,817. Set against $28,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Neumann University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Neumann University
Lehigh University landed the #40 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Lehigh University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,008 in debt. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. See the full Lehigh University profile
Eastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Eastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Davids, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,400. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,655. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern University
Geneva College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Beaver Falls, PA, Geneva College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,450. Students borrow a median of $26,396 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,004. That is a strong return on a $26,396 median debt. More on Geneva College
Saint Francis University landed the #43 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Saint Francis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Loretto, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,388. Graduates carry a median of $30,729 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,101. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Francis University profile
Rosemont College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Rosemont, PA, Rosemont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,854. Rosemont College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,211 in debt. Rosemont College alumni report median earnings of $48,555 a decade after entry. Set against $29,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Rosemont College
Wilkes University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Wilkes University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,496. Wilkes University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,601 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,454 ten years out. Set against $26,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wilkes University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Wilkes University
Point Park University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Point Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,570. Point Park University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,323 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,856 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Point Park University admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about Point Park University
Chestnut Hill College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,870. Students borrow a median of $30,824 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,015 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Chestnut Hill College
Duquesne University placed #49 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,297. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duquesne University
Mercyhurst College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Mercyhurst College is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,770. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,705. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,452 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,705 median debt. Mercyhurst College admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Mercyhurst College profile
Arcadia University placed #51 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Glenside, PA, Arcadia University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,610. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,336. That is a strong return on a $26,921 median debt. Arcadia University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Arcadia University report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Elizabethtown College came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,950. Students borrow a median of $26,599 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Elizabethtown College alumni report median earnings of $62,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Elizabethtown College
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #55 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. More on Carnegie Mellon University
Widener University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #56 position. Located in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,561 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,920. That is a strong return on a $26,561 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Widener University Main Campus profile
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 63 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 315 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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