2023 Best College Athletics in Pennsylvania

• Villanova, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,539 reviews

Senior: Villanova is an amazing place to call home for your undergraduate years! I have really enjoyed my time here, especially because of the amazing professors who deeply care about their students. Our average class size is 23 students, so you are guaranteed to know your teachers and fellow classmates well. My teachers have been industry professionals who have connected me with opportunities and internships in their fields.... Read 1,539 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $38,303

• SAT range 1320-1460

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  7,323 reviews

Junior: I love that it’s such a big school! It’s hard to imagine not having such a large and beautiful campus to walk around during the day and all the space also allows for there to always be something going on. There are so many events and clubs and large Greek life. There’s also several Divine9 sororities and fraternities and multicultural Greek life as well. Even if Greek life isn’t for you, there are many clubs that make you feel like family. Education is so important and valued here. There’s also many networking opportunities and again, just so many helpful events and because it is a big school, they’re always prepared for many people to attend so it’s less of an overwhelming experience. The renovated dorms are very nice and since it’s a college town, there’s a lot of nice off campus living options. From the athletics, to one of our biggest events, THON (a student run philanthropy event to raise money for families of children with cancer), and the connections within major, PSU is home.... Read 7,323 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  4,233 reviews

Junior: I love the community of intelligent, creative, unique, and genuine students I am surrounded by at the University of Pittsburgh. The atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive, and it fosters a true desire to learn. Our course selections are wide and interesting; there are some really niche offerings that anybody would enjoy. For the most part, my professors have been engaging and passionate, however I have had a few here and there who were either poor lecturers or had overly high expectations compared to the lower quality of instruction they provided. I think on-campus housing options could be slightly better, but I had a good experience in my freshman year dorm. Food options have definitely been evolving for the better since the start of my time at Pitt!... Read 4,233 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $22,346

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  5,680 reviews

Senior: My experience at Temple was amazing! I met my best friends that I will be living with after graduation. I got to take classes I loved, and I feel like I am leaving Temple with a well rounded education. I enjoyed living in Philadelphia so much. I really think living in North Philadelphia was a learning experience on its own. While I loved Temple, and will forever look fondly on my four years there, there are things about Temple that need improving. For example, when I was entering my freshman year, we were told that the University would be knocking down their old library to make more green space for the students. I am about to graduate, and they just started putting up a fence around the old library to prepare for demolition. While Temple University gave me my best friends and a great foundation to start my future, the administration does not always communicate properly with its students.... Read 5,680 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $23,254

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Lewisburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  784 reviews

Junior: Freshman year was rough due to Covid restrictions. Each year has gotten better, especially the food! The administration actually listened to the complaints and ungraded the selections. The campus is beautiful, but Lewisburg is a small town so aside from a few bars and restaurants there is not much to do in town. The trade off is that it is very safe. Greek life is big, but anyone can get involved and if you are not interested in the party scene there is still a lot to do on campus. The academics are challenging but most of my professors have been great and always willing to help those who are struggling. There are also many opportunities for free tutoring. The housing is variable...some dorms are nicer than others, but the school guarantees housing all 4 years.... Read 784 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $39,359

• SAT range 1250-1430

• Loretto, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  567 reviews

Niche User: I loved the friendly and welcoming environment. A college is a big step in one's future and everyone there was so welcoming and warming that it made me feel better about starting that new step in the right direction. It is very high in security so it is a safe and very well maintained campus. It is a very nice fit for anyone unsure of college life, it gives you reassurance and if you ever have a question someone always has an answer with extra information and background on any topic. Saint Francis is definitely somewhere that you want to be all the time. The campus is beautiful and always maintained, the grass is always cut and the flowers are always watered. There are on site job opportunities and in the community. It is a place where you make many long lasting friendships into your future. Your successful future lies in Saint Francis University.... Read 567 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $29,393

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Moon Township, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,142 reviews

Freshman: I have only been on campus for one semester but so far they have made me feel welcome. They have numerous events each week on campus so you are able to get involved. Along with all of these events, there are a variety of clubs and organizations, and if there is something you are interested in that doesn't already have a club on campus, you can talk to someone about starting one. The class sizes are relatively small on campus which is nice in my opinion. Since they are small, you are able to have more of a connection with classmates and teachers as well. Having this connection allows you to get more help because they are able to answer questions in class and outside of class. There are also numerous resources on campus that help prepare you for after college, and some that help you through college as well. They have a good tutoring center, and a center for student success to help students succeed at RMU. There is also a career center that will help students find jobs for after school.... Read 1,142 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $26,917

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Bethlehem, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  908 reviews

Sophomore: I love the sense of community feel to the school. I like the medium size of the school where you don't feel like a number. The academics are pretty strong, especially the engineering and the CSB programs. Lehigh is also known to have a really good alumni network and really good financial aid packages for those who want need-based opportunities. It does get pretty cold but you'll get used to it. However, it is a slight culture shock that many rich people attend the school but the social scene I feel is fine but is centered around Greek Life, however, you'll find the people you like! The surrounding area is okay, I feel the Northside of Bethlehem is better but not at all a dangerous area, still pretty safe for the most part, just be aware of your surroundings. I am also a minority too and I feel that the political and racial climate is fine, but there is still some microaggressions one can face but I never have felt unsafe. Overall, a really great school and worth it for job outlook!... Read 908 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $29,098

• SAT range 1260-1430

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,072 reviews

Freshman: I would say that my first semester at Saint Joseph's was a good one. The staff and professors here are delightful and very doting. The community is very tight and easy to find an organization to join. I am on the University City Campus, and have had a pretty easy time adjusting to college. Never fall behind in school and you will be fine. Consider applying here!... Read 1,072 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $35,780

• SAT range 1100-1290

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  880 reviews

Sophomore: I am an incoming sophomore nursing student at La Salle University. I personally really enjoy the school, campus, and my peers. The surrounding area is not the best safety wise, but the school has a great public safety team to keep us safe. The food at the school is not the best, and I hope to see a change in options in this upcoming school year. As a nursing student, I am happy to say that La Salle University has a great program! When looking for nursing schools, the NCLEX passing rate is a huge deal, and I must say that La Salle had one of the highest NCLEX average passing rates of the schools I was looking into. Another really important element is when the nursing students begin clinicals, which is real world experience in the field. La Salle starts clinicals for their students in their sophomore year of school, which means their nursing graduates will be more than ready for work when they graduate. I am very proud to say I am La Salle University nursing student!... Read 880 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,401

• SAT range —

• Easton, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  650 reviews

Junior: I am forever glad that I chose Lafayette! It is a wonderful school for so many different reasons. The class sizes are small, which facilitates good relationships with my peers and professors. Classes are rigorous but manageable, and I feel like I have grown so much academically here. There are also so many ways to get involved; there's something for everyone! The student body is quite friendly and I have definitely found my people here. Lafayette College is a great place to spend your undergrad years!... Read 650 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $28,735

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,480 reviews

Graduate Student: Duquesne is a very great university with infinite opportunities for student to be involved in extracurricular activities. I was on the rowing team (Division 1), part of the executive board for The Children's Hospital, part of a great non-profit group where we completed mission trips in Honduras, etc! There are endless opportunities for you to develop yourself as an individual beyond academics. Professors are great and diverse!... Read 1,480 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $32,408

• SAT range 1120-1270

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  3,087 reviews

Freshman: I couldn’t have committed to any other College than Drexel! As a leading university located in the heart of a vibrant city like Philadelphia, there is more than enough to explore with the opportunities there is. The major factor that convinced me to Drexel was their Co-Op programme! Drexel has the renowned the equips students with classroom learning and on the job experience which allows students to have a feel of what their career life will look like after they have graduated. With this, Drexel has high employment rates for its graduates in the United States due to its partnerships with renowned institutions where its students get the opportunity to work with and gain experience during their course of study - before graduation! Drexel education leaves a huge impact on every student that attends which in turn affects everyone around them positively. I love Drexel and everything there is with it, hence, there isn’t a thing I’d like see change about the school.... Read 3,087 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $39,463

• SAT range 1180-1380

• California, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  1,476 reviews

Senior: The environment at California University of Pennsylvania is rated friendly for everyone, even concluding outside community members of all areas. Many events hosted to bring students together, residents of the campus and commuters to ensure an amazing experience for everyone. To my experience with communication can be better, but this is due to a matter of the integration of the three schools (California University, Clarion University, and Edinboro University) interfering a little with that matter. Everything else has been spot on!... Read 1,476 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $19,116

• SAT range 920-1120

• Mechanicsburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,276 reviews

Senior: It is a christian university and there are many great things about it. However, many of the students who attend lack maturity and it can be disappointing when trying to find good christian relationships. Despite this, there are some great things on campus. Including prayer group and powerhouse. As far as the majors, I have experience in 6 different majors. The Bible program can be intense but it is good. Our music major is okay, but definitely more band focused than choir. Our business and athletic departments are both amazing and I have loved every moment and interaction in these departments. I have also heard wonderful things about our nursing department from friends but I personally am not a part of it. Overall, it is a good school, but if you are a conservative, be prepared for a lot of left wing views. Especially when it comes to study abroad, it is a great program but do not even consider it if you are not vaccinated for covid. Good luck choosing a school and God bless!... Read 1,276 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $27,641

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Erie, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,057 reviews

Sophomore: Mercyhurst is an incredible school! With a smaller campus and student body everything is more personal and the college transition is much easier! Also, Mercyhurst's student government hosts great events every weekend for students to participate in! Overall a great school and beautiful campus.... Read 1,057 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $26,942

• SAT range 940-1160

• Erie, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  825 reviews

Sophomore: I have found that Gannon is an underrated university. I wanted to find a campus with an emphasis on being where I could feel accepted and welcomed, while not having a lackadaisical attitude toward academics and expectations. Student diversity is well beyond my expectations which people do not seem to associate with Catholic Uni's. Regarding academics, I always have professors who are passionate about teaching students, and they always seem to do it well. The Greek life is very healthy, especially since it doesn't feel like some "cult" and you are never treated differently based on being/not being in one. They have very good food, but I am not picky and more "IIFYM" which is met often. Parties: Much better than you would imagine Students also have access to mental health services, physical services, accessibility services, clubs you did not know you needed in your life, and the gym here is frigging awesome. The only issue: If you do not like winter weather, this is not for you.... Read 825 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $22,839

• SAT range 990-1210

• Indiana, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,687 reviews

Senior: I am a current international student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). My campus is a very diverse campus open to everyone in the community. I came a here alone with no one but IUP gave me home like no other. At first, I experienced immerse culture shock but with the help of the students and faculty members, I was able to overcome that experience. I just love this campus. Everything is made available to students, from the food to campus facilities, housing, health and also, jobs on campus. We have a lot of programs offered at all educational levels ranging from undergraduate programs to doctorate programs. I am so proud of being a member of this welcoming community with core values in diversity and inclusion. Life as an international student has been exciting and wonderful. I’ll always never forget my experience her at IUP. Growth, experience and professionalism is what made who I am today thanks to IUP. Go hawks!... Read 2,687 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $20,933

• SAT range 930-1130

• Lock Haven, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  906 reviews

Junior: Lock Haven feels like home. With it being a small campus, you are able to make connections with a bunch of people and even have the opportunity to meet everyone! There are also a lot of diversity and a variety of clubs that will allow anyone to fit in. There are also a lot of on campus events for students that are really fun.... Read 906 reviews

• grade C

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $19,521

• SAT range 930-1130

• East Stroudsburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,059 reviews

Freshman: I am freshman of ESU 2022. I love how diverse the courses, the students and even environment is. Esu makes you feel safe. The campus police is always there to help (i’ve been locked out of my room and they assisted pleasantly) (they’ve helped when my car didn’t start too). The professors take their time to teach, the D2L portal is easy to navigate. One thing I would love improvement on is the food at Dansbury. I would like more african foods incorporated seeing as we have a lot of africans. I also think they need to consider students like me who only have FAFSA as financial help and don’t have a job. They need to revisit the cost of tuition/on campus living. Above all, ESU is amazing!... Read 1,059 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,500

• SAT range 900-1110

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,310 reviews

Junior: Work hard, play hard! That’s life at Penn. Strengths - Great approachable Professors, almost any class or activity you can think of, wonderful diversity, beautiful campus. Lots of opportunities to study abroad. Greek life is active, but not necessary to have a rich social life. Tuition, room and board are expensive but there’s lots of aid available. Highly recommended, but very competitive admission rate ( around 8% ). Suggest applying Early Decision if Penn’s your first choice ( 18% acceptance rate ).... Read 1,310 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,167

• SAT range 1460-1570

• West Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,795 reviews

Sophomore: I recently transferred to be a part of the women's basketball team here at West Chester. I have come to love the school and community surrounding it! The faculty is amazing, all of my professors are genuinely invested in my academics and well-being, and are committed to my learning. The town surrounding the college is awesome, and I've had such good experiences with the community and my neighbors. Since I'm a biology major and pre-med, mental health is very important to me. The university and the athletic committee are very mental-health focused, which is amazing and so helpful for their students.... Read 1,795 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $19,336

• SAT range 1010-1180

• Greensburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  910 reviews

Sophomore: Seton Hill University has a lot to offer. There are several places on campus where students can lounge and do homework, eat, or just relax. The professors that I have had so far have been kind, funny, helpful, and encourage you to ask questions if you're unsure what to do. The students have been pleasantly polite. I've met a lot of people already, and it's only my first semester here. I'm a transfer student, and the transfer counselors were wonderful with helping me get set up to enroll for the spring semester. The transition was much smoother than I expected. To top it off, the food is top-notch as well! I am absolutely looking forward to my next couple years here!... Read 910 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $23,008

• SAT range 900-1150

• Kutztown, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,640 reviews

Freshman: Going to KU has been the best decision I made in my entire life, as well as the best thing that has ever happened to me. From debating world issues in Model UN to traveling to Washington DC to work with advocacy groups, I had an unprecedented number of political opportunities this year as a political science major. Both the academics and the extracurriculars have been amazing. Although I dreaded having to take general education courses in college, KU gave us much leeway in what types of courses we could take to fulfill our requirements. From cultural geography to anthropology, the gen ed courses that we could choose from were far from a limited selection. In fact, I can even get away with taking a social science course to fulfill my science class requirement! My spare time on campus was occupied by the many political, academic, religious, and recreational opportunities that I’ve never gotten before, and I was never bored after studying and classes were done.... Read 1,640 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,673

• SAT range 950-1120

• Slippery Rock, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,553 reviews

Freshman: I loved Slippery Rock University! It was the only school I applied to because I knew early on that I wanted to go there. It was the only public university in Pennsylvania to have my major, integrated marketing communications. I loved how nice and helpful the professors were, they really do want to see you succeed and work hard to get you where you want to be. The campus was also beautiful and not to big, it had a homey feel that was quite comforting. The students were super friendly and the school was small enough that you saw people you knew often walking around campus, but there was still opportunities to meet knew people everywhere you went. I lived in Rhoads, a traditional hall on campus, and I absolutely loved it. I met my best friends there and the environment is so welcoming. I 100% believe you’ll have a great time if you stay there your first year. Everyone knows Rhoads is one of the best living options because of how nice everyone is that lives there. SRU is amazing, Go Rock!... Read 1,553 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $18,117

• SAT range 1000-1170