Colleges where Pell Grant students thrive in Pennsylvania
Colleges where at least a third of students receive federal Pell Grants, ranked by graduation rate.
Colleges where Pell Grant students thrive in Pennsylvania11 schools
11 schools qualify, ranked by graduation rate.
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).
- At least a third of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the college has a graduation rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by graduation rate, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster
Lancaster, PA · Private nonprofitTop 5% for earnings
- 69% graduate
- 55% receive Pell Grants
- 2
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofitTop 9% for earnings
- 69% graduate
- 37% receive Pell Grants
- 3
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Lancaster, PA · Private nonprofitTop 23% for graduation
- 69% graduate
- 47% receive Pell Grants
- 4
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PA · Private nonprofitTop 24% for graduation
- 68% graduate
- 40% receive Pell Grants
- 5
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- 66% graduate
- 38% receive Pell Grants
- 6
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private nonprofitTop 21% for earnings
- 63% graduate
- 34% receive Pell Grants
- 7
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- 60% graduate
- 44% receive Pell Grants
- 8
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- 60% graduate
- 43% receive Pell Grants
- 9
Lycoming College
Williamsport, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B
- 60% graduate
- 38% receive Pell Grants
- 10
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofitGood: Compass grade B-
- 59% graduate
- 39% receive Pell Grants
- 11
Moore College of Art and Design
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofitVery good: Compass grade B+
- 57% graduate
- 43% receive Pell Grants
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's University - Lancaster | $42,478 | $25,500 | $86,881 | 69% |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $28,928 | $14,744 | $77,449 | 69% |
| Pennsylvania College of Art and Design | $30,083 | $27,000 | $33,301 | 69% |
| Bryn Athyn College of the New Church | $20,586 | $22,250 | $40,457 | 68% |
| Waynesburg University | $18,235 | $27,000 | $58,537 | 66% |
| Wilkes University | $27,743 | $26,000 | $63,454 | 63% |
| Cedar Crest College | $18,659 | $27,000 | $59,460 | 60% |
| Carlow University | $20,786 | $25,500 | $51,051 | 60% |
| Lycoming College | $19,140 | $27,000 | $56,210 | 60% |
| Point Park University | $25,942 | $27,000 | $45,856 | 59% |
| Moore College of Art and Design | $43,086 | $26,000 | $37,839 | 57% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.