2024 Top Party Schools in Pennsylvania

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,502 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 7,502 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Freshman: I came to Penn as an international student from Japan, and so far I'm loving it here! Here are some things about Penn that I truly find amazing: The students are diverse. As a world-renowned Ivy League school, Penn takes students from all over the globe, with a variety of racial and gender identities, backgrounds, hobbies, and academic interests. When I meet new people here, they always blow my mind. Opportunities are everywhere. Penn is a research institution with renowned researchers in just about every field imaginable, and the cool thing is, everyone can be found within one campus! This makes it possible to get involved with research of all sorts, including typically graduate-level fields like medicine, law, or dental medicine. Philadelphia is full of discoveries. Penn is situated near Philadelphia's Center City, a city with an amazingly rich history. I especially love the culture of volunteering and philanthropy here. Penn may be hard to get in, but life here is phenomenal!... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• 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

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,224

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Bethlehem, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  924 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 924 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $31,539

• SAT range 1290-1490

• Indiana, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,718 reviews

Sophomore: I wanted independence and time alone to spend doing the things I wanted, figuring out who I am and what I want to do when I came to IUP. Since I always wanted to travel and explore different places my decision of choosing IUP wasn’t regrettable. While being alone for the first time was overwhelming and brought with it many responsibilities, I slowly began to enjoy doing those tasks as it kept me busy during the day. My time at IUP has given me great friends, a space to let my mind wander, and the opportunity to learn about hobbies and interests without question. Still, I have a long way to go and more to learn about. In the process of coming out of my shell, I'm still figuring out certain aspects of living as I go along. At IUP, you have different varieties of clubs, sports and entertainment, there are amazing places to unwind and relax or hang out with friends after a long day at Oak Grove, the pool, the hub and even the gym! There’s diversity all around you and lots of pizza.... Read 2,718 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $21,153

• SAT range 940-1140

• Bloomsburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,492 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Bloomsburg university has been great from the time I applied up until now. The staff is very helpful and they’re always willing to answer any questions or concerns I have. My advisor helped me through every step and they keep me updated and check in all of the time. The campus is so beautiful, especially in the winter when it snows. There are tons of fun events for students to participate in. Before going to college I was worried I wouldn’t make friends but everyone is welcoming and it made it easy to make friends and I’m proud to say that I am a husky!... Read 1,492 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $16,738

• SAT range 950-1150

• Lewisburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  797 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 797 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $38,170

• SAT range 1270-1450

• 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

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 1250-1470

• Lincoln University, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  860 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at Lincoln was one to remember. It was definitely one of the best decisions I made as far as my athletic and academic career goes. The campus is very family oriented and the student life is lit! Now every school has there down falls in some categories, but I can say that Lincoln does their very best in trying to accommodate and meet the needs of the students. The professors, staff, and faculty also do an exceptional job when it comes to learning. They give hands on experience and challenge you everyday in the classroom to be able to critically think and make the best decisions. Because the university isn’t as big, its easy to make good relationships with your peers, as well as faculty and staff. Lincoln provides many resources and networking opportunities to students to help set them up for success. I would highly recommend anybody looking for a great college experience as far as student life and academics to give Lincoln a high consideration. I love my HBCU!... Read 860 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $14,513

• SAT range 890-1020

• Kutztown, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,661 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 1,661 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $22,418

• SAT range 990-1200

• West Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,835 reviews

Sophomore: West Chester University is a place that feels welcoming and encouraging. Not only do I feel happy on campus, but I am kindly encouraged to pursue education and knowledge, for the sake of finding a good career. WCU is prideful in their campus; living facilities, classrooms, professors, and their student’s accomplishments. Of my time at West Chester thus far, I am the most happy about the social environment. Students are friendly and encouraging to their peers to get involved. Not to mention, professors are personable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Although housing conflicts are a hot topic around campus, the traditional dorm living spaces themselves are just what a student needs. Maintenance issues are solved timely after a request, and RAs and Hall directors make the time living there very worth while. The dining services and food options throughout campus is plentiful. Not to mention campus’s location; making it convenient to walk into town and grab a bite. Rams up!... Read 1,835 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $14,133

• SAT range 1070-1250

• East Stroudsburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  1,082 reviews

Other: I am an incoming freshman for the 2023/24 year. I toured many colleges in the North East Region but decided on ESU for several reasons. From my first visit I knew I was home but held off making my decision for a few weeks. The accepted student day and the orientation on June 6th confirmed my decision. ESU is a medium size college but seems like a small home town. I cannot wait to start. If you have not decided definitely take a look at ESU, you wont be disappointed. Warriors Rock!... Read 1,082 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $16,674

• SAT range 960-1150

• Shippensburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,084 reviews

Freshman: Coming straight out of high school, I didn’t know what to expect going into college. However, I can passionately attest that choosing to attend Shippensburg University was a decision that I will never regret! Not only has Shippensburg made my transition to independence very smooth, but it is also providing me with the best college experience I could ever asked for! Above everything, I am extremely proud to call myself a Raider!... Read 1,084 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,077

• SAT range 970-1180

• Slippery Rock, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,602 reviews

Junior: Slippery Rock has been an amazing college so far and I have enjoyed my time here. I transferred into their program as a second-semester sophomore. They worked with me to accept and transfer all of my existing credits and provided me with two scholarships for my first year. Their campus accommodations including food, housing, and leisure have been diverse and easily accessible. I would love for Slippery Rock to provide more parking. They also have extensive on-campus healthcare options, and a gym for wellness opportunities. Due to the size of the campus, it is easy to make friends and interact with teachers on a one-on-one basis. However, the campus is still large enough that there's always someone new to meet, and the ability to avoid people you don't like! For a state school, the price point is perfect and I've loved my time here so far.... Read 1,602 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $12,364

• SAT range 970-1170

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  890 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 890 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $24,130

• SAT range —

• York, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,302 reviews

Freshman: This is my freshman year at York College of Pennsylvania. I’m living on the campus. I love how everything is walking distance, and there is a bus that goes around the campus. All of the staff and students have been friendly, and very welcoming. The college does a lot of orientations before school starts to get everyone familiar to how things work, and expectations. That was a huge help for me. The dining hall is nice, and offers a wide variety of foods. I mainly eat all my meals there, and I’m always able to find something good. I really like how they always have pizza, and it’s quick and easy. I’ve had great experiences in all of my classes. My teachers are all very caring, and I’ve had great conversations with them. I am enjoying all of my classes. There are always activities going on for everyone to get involved. It’s close to downtown york which has nice shops, restaurants, and different activities. I’m very glad I chose York College, and would recommend it to anyone!... Read 1,302 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $22,543

• SAT range 1010-1220

• 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+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $35,794

• SAT range 1280-1430

• Scranton, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  670 reviews

Sophomore: For a variety of reasons, I like attending Scranton University. I felt an extraordinary sense of belonging and camaraderie the moment I stepped foot on campus. The warm and welcoming climate at the university develops intimate interactions with both peers and instructors, creating a conducive environment for personal growth and academic performance. The wide selection of extracurricular activities and clubs has helped me to pursue my interests and discover new ones, enriching my college experience. Furthermore, the university's commitment to service and social justice resonates well with my ideals, allowing me to make a positive difference in the world. Scranton University is more than simply a place to learn; it is a home that fosters my intellectual, social, and personal development, making every day on campus worthwhile.... Read 670 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $35,913

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Erie, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  840 reviews

Junior: Gannon has a lot of great staff/faculty members and opportunities that are made available to virtually everybody on campus. There are lots of sport teams, clubs, and groups that are easy to join and exciting. Every teacher that I have had has been competent, not always enjoyable, but at bare minimum, able to educate their students. My main problem with the school is just how expensive it is. I want to be able to go to school full time, and still have enough money to enjoy my hobbies like fishing, jiu jitsu, hiking, playing instruments, making music, and travelling. Because of the cost of school, it can make it difficult for me to find the time and money to do these things that I also deeple care about.... Read 840 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $22,258

• SAT range 990-1250

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  3,150 reviews

Graduate Student: Drexel University has some awesome program directors who are committed to your success and will help you navigate their system by providing warm -handoffs to other departments if they cannot answer your questions directly. They have the student in mind, and provide tuition discounts with partnering organizations you are employed with. They have a great reputation for success and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my goal of becoming a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and address the issue of maternal mortality in the U.S., and to be a Drexel University Dragon!... Read 3,150 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $26,076

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Chester, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  812 reviews

Senior: My Widener University experience has been everything but bland. The opportunities are endless, from research trips, to campus jobs, access to experiences in my field, celebrating homecoming, or cheering on our basketball team as they became 2023 MAC Commonwealth Champions this year. As an involved student, with a Physics, Secondary Education major, and a Mathematics minor, Widener made it easy for me to have success both inside and outside of the classroom. I have had opportunities in the field such as substitute teaching in a local school district, and I was able to take a research trip to another state and collaborate with other students through astronomy research. Outside of school, I have the opportunity to work on campus as an ambassador, participate in community service, and meet some of my best friends who I attend sporting events, bingo, or other activities around campus with! I appreciates Widener's dedication to academics as well as other enriching college experiences.... Read 812 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $25,343

• SAT range 1080-1240

• Villanova, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,555 reviews

Alum: Villanova is not a perfect school, but it was a great fit and wonderful experience for me! There are countless opportunities, good communication/posting of opportunities for students to be aware of and get involved in, and a great campus, relational feel to the school. Villanova is small enough to feel homey but large enough to continually meet new people or branch out and try new clubs, activities, etc. A common (and true) complaint is lack of diversity on campus. This is something to take into account but as an alum, I think the school is aware of it and has attempted to make strides to address it. I'd like to have seen the social scene change slightly; as someone who doesn't drink alcohol, it took some time to find like-minded people and find social opportunities that didn't feel centered around college drinking culture. I think this is a reality of many schools, not necessarily Villanova-specific. Overall, I loved Villanova and would choose to attend if I had to do it over again!... Read 1,555 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $33,123

• SAT range 1350-1490

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  690 reviews

Alum: The professors and student body at University of the Arts are absolutely wonderful. I graduated from the animation program, and over my four years attending UArts, I learned so many invaluable things about my craft. UArts is in center city, directly on Broad Street, so there is a lot to do nearby, and the area is pretty safe. However, the administration at UArts is a mess. I had many frustrating experiences just trying to get basic information or documents, with emails oftentimes going unanswered for weeks. The staff is also not paid nearly enough for all they do, which has consistently served as an upset for myself and the rest of the student body. My experience, I would say, was positive, but there are areas of the school that require significant work and refinement.... Read 690 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $25,932

• SAT range 910-1140

• Williamsport, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  627 reviews

Freshman: They have made is so easy to transfer to their college! Their website and other internet tools make it so easy to see what credits have transfered, finances, class schedule, etc. They also offer all online programs which make it attainable to get a college degree for the minorities and working class.... Read 627 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,146

• SAT range —

• California, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,494 reviews

Sophomore: PennWest California has given me quite the experience so far! Not only do I feel so welcomed in the community because I know some friends from high school, but also all of the staff and educators are so very welcoming and understanding. I love the organization of classes and also how my professors are extremely systematic with their lectures, and they make sure we get the most out of the lesson. Fixating on change, I feel that for the most part, everything should stay as it is. The only slightly concerning factor is the amount of classes that are online. Some of us find online classes difficult, depending on the class, and this can be stressful.... Read 1,494 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $20,317

• SAT range 940-1150