2024 Best Colleges with African American Studies Degrees in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Swarthmore, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  424 reviews

Alum: Life changing. Not only because of the quality of professors and the teacher to student ratio, but because the student body is so extraordinary. Living with and around people who are major achievers rubs off on you. Being there raised my standards 1000% because that is what I had to do just to keep up. And that habit stayed with me for the rest of my life. It produced a wonderful, successful life and work experience. Proud to be a Swattie!... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $19,733

• SAT range 1430-1560

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,309 reviews

Freshman: University of Pittsburgh is a great school with many diverse tools students can utilize to get the best out of their time here. From a wide range of studies to a vast option of clubs, University of Pittsburgh allows students to instantly feel connected to the school. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh has fantastic resources especially for Pre-Health related careers. With the UPMC building nearby, you can obtain your medical hours right on campus! You can easily contact a faculty member within the Pre-Health department to discuss the best academic path for you. The campus holds a variety of recreational spots including restaurants, museums, and cafes to study at. However, in the future, I hope to see the university improve their communication with their students regarding Panther Central. Panther Central is Pitt's main communication line where students can ask anything from housing to transportation. Unfortunately, the faculty takes a long time responding to students' emails.... Read 4,309 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 1250-1470

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,501 reviews

Alum: I love nearly everything about this school! The sports are great, there are major entertainment events, art and religion are honored, there are over 1,000 student organizations, and I have had incredible professors consistently throughout my years (although peers in other majors did not always say this). In the area, there is hiking, skiing, several summer festivals, several thrift stores, and a high proportion of restaurants with different ethnic cuisines. Recommendation for change are prioritizing updates to dorm buildings and increasing accessibility to groceries downtown, as this is where a large number of students live (without their cars). It has many international students, but is otherwise limited in diversity. It mostly reflects the state/region, so I do not see this as something that necessarily needs to change.... Read 7,501 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  5,781 reviews

Senior: I LOVE Temple University! Most of my professors have been nice, fair, knowledgeable and even passionate about what they teach. Temple has a gym on campus, which offers group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and meditation, included in tuition fees. The healthcare I received on campus has always been stellar. The Disability Resource Services offered have been stellar, and the 24-hour TECH Center is a pleasure to spend days in while studying and working on projects. Temple has an app now where you can request a chaperoned walk home in person or virtually, as well as a nightly shuttle that circulates around the edges of campus for those in off-campus housing. Our Marching Band was one of my favorite extra curriculars offering an annual stipend when you join and you get to perform synchronized dances to pop songs at home games on Philly Eagles turf at the LINC. Temple has a strong community feel that makes you want to wear Temple gear and represent no matter your niche. GO OWLS!... Read 5,781 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,224

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Gettysburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  634 reviews

Other: My daughter is a freshman at Gettysburg and she loves the school. Honestly, I don’t know what some of the reviewers are talking about. The student body at Gettysburg is diverse, friendly, bright, and committed. The teachers are smart, dedicated, and supportive. The campus is beautiful. My daughter describes the school thus: “I love Gettysburg! My teachers are great, I have made tons of friends, it is beautiful, and cozy!”... Read 634 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $35,794

• SAT range 1280-1430

• Collegeville, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  482 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed the small class sizes and the dedication and attentiveness of the professors. Academically, it's a great school, though I can only speak for the arts (my major was French literature), not science - and Ursinus is well-known for its focus on biology and the sciences. Being a language major, I wished that there were French courses in geopolitics, communication, and history, rather than solely literature. But I knew that going in. Socially, there was too much of an emphasis on Greek life, and hazing was rampant and unchecked by the school. Because of the small school size there also was not a lot going on and we used to complain about that, but looking back, that aspect forced us to be creative in the ways we spent our time. There were a good number of clubs, but silly 20-year-old me did not take advantage of those. It was also encouraged and really popular to study abroad, which was an amazing opportunity.... Read 482 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $31,438

• SAT range 1200-1360

• Clarion, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,038 reviews

Alum: Goodbye, alma mater. "Your silent winding river, it haunts me still..." I had some of the best years of my life, acquired the most knowledge, and grew the most as a human being here. In a little over a month, although the campus physically will look the same, "Clarion" as so many alumni and current students know it will forever be gone. The new, so-called "Penn West University" as well as the new "Commonwealth University" in northeastern PA are in reality just temporary, convenient "facades" so that the PSSHE Board of Governors can proceed with their long-standing goal of shutting down campuses all to save the bottom dollar. Which campus will be the first to be shut down? Which campuses will remain? Only time will tell. It's a rotten shame that this is happening in the 5th largest state by population in America!... Read 1,038 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $13,840

• SAT range 940-1130

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  337 reviews

Graduate Student: I hit a few bumps through my undergraduate program and had to take some time off from school. A few years later I returned with renewed vigor for my education. My last three semesters I excelled and received no less than B in my class, but most were A’s. Thanks to the support of my professors and my adviser, I was able to perform at a commendable level! Since graduating in the spring of 2021, I have found a position working in government consulting with an excellent company. I have returned to the Fall 2022 semester as a graduate student in the Master of Professional Studies program with aspirations to go for the doctorates of engineering!... Read 337 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $21,678

• SAT range 990-1260