Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Pennsylvania
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Pennsylvania6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Pennsylvania.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $18,556 a year
- 64% graduate
- 2
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $19,859 a year
- 65% graduate
- 3
Lycoming College
Williamsport, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $19,140 a year
- 60% graduate
- 4
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $18,235 a year
- 66% graduate
- 5
Mercyhurst University
Erie, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $19,444 a year
- 60% graduate
- 6
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- Net price $18,659 a year
- 60% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York College of Pennsylvania | $18,556 | $26,000 | $61,012 | 64% |
| Westminster College | $19,859 | $26,060 | $53,861 | 65% |
| Lycoming College | $19,140 | $27,000 | $56,210 | 60% |
| Waynesburg University | $18,235 | $27,000 | $58,537 | 66% |
| Mercyhurst University | $19,444 | $25,305 | $47,452 | 60% |
| Cedar Crest College | $18,659 | $27,000 | $59,460 | 60% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.