# Most Affordable Colleges in Pennsylvania by Net Price (2026)

> The 15 Pennsylvania colleges with the lowest average net price after grants, with tuition and graduation rate. Verified federal cost data.

- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-pennsylvania-by-net-price
- Category: Financial Aid
- Author: CollegesRef Editorial
- Published: 2026-11-03
- Updated: 2026-11-04
- Data guide: figures are built only from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data.

The Pennsylvania colleges with the lowest average net price are Bucks County Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Westmoreland County Community College. College in Pennsylvania tends to cost more than the national norm. The median net price among its 52 qualifying colleges is $23,535, 72% above the national median, which makes the lower-cost schools below worth a close look. Net price alone can mislead. In Pennsylvania, the cheaper half of the list has a median graduation rate of 23%, versus 47% for the more expensive half.

## Pennsylvania colleges with the lowest average net price

| # | College | City | Avg. net price | In-state tuition | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Bucks County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/bucks-county-community-college-332) | Newtown | $5,431 | $5,683 | 26% |
| 2 | [Lehigh Carbon Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/lehigh-carbon-community-college-1471) | Schnecksville | $6,022 | $5,616 | 25% |
| 3 | [Westmoreland County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/westmoreland-county-community-college-3250) | Youngwood | $6,175 | $6,018 | 22% |
| 4 | [Delaware County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/delaware-county-community-college-784) | Media | $6,983 | $7,020 | 23% |
| 5 | [Reading Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/reading-area-community-college-2197) | Reading | $8,115 | $6,630 | 24% |
| 6 | [Community College of Allegheny County](https://www.collegesref.com/college/community-college-of-allegheny-county-664) | Pittsburgh | $8,297 | — | 17% |
| 7 | [Montgomery County Community College-Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/college/montgomery-county-community-college-pennsylvania-1765) | Blue Bell | $9,221 | $6,900 | 21% |
| 8 | [Luzerne County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/luzerne-county-community-college-1559) | Nanticoke | $10,437 | $7,350 | 20% |
| 9 | [Harrisburg Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/harrisburg-area-community-college-1153) | Harrisburg | $10,627 | $7,193 | 16% |
| 10 | [Community College of Philadelphia](https://www.collegesref.com/college/community-college-of-philadelphia-669) | Philadelphia | $11,751 | $4,692 | 18% |
| 11 | [Northampton County Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/northampton-county-area-community-college-1908) | Bethlehem | $12,119 | $5,850 | 21% |
| 12 | [Holy Family University-Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/college/holy-family-university-pennsylvania-1219) | Philadelphia | $12,882 | $36,388 | 67% |
| 13 | [Clarion University of Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/college/clarion-university-of-pennsylvania-559) | Clarion | $13,840 | — | 55% |
| 14 | [Edinboro University of Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/college/edinboro-university-of-pennsylvania-892) | Edinboro | $15,771 | — | 47% |
| 15 | [Lock Haven University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/lock-haven-university-1514) | Lock Haven | $15,947 | — | 54% |

## Pennsylvania has higher sticker prices and takes more off the sticker price with grants

52 Pennsylvania colleges with at least 2,000 students report an average net price and a graduation rate: 27 public colleges and 25 private nonprofit. The full published cost of a year, tuition plus housing, food and books, has a median of $47,380, above the $24,202 nationwide. Grants do more of the work here: the median college's net price sits $28,823 under its cost of attendance, against $9,983 nationally. Aided students at the median college here pay $23,535 a year after grants, $9,820 more than the national median of $13,715.

| Measure | Pennsylvania | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Average net price after grants (median) | $23,535 | $13,715 |
| Cost of attendance before aid (median) | $47,380 | $24,202 |
| Cost of attendance minus net price (median) | $28,823 | $9,983 |
| Public share of colleges | 52% | 75% |
| Net price at public colleges (median) | $15,947 | $10,454 |
| Net price at private colleges (median) | $28,585 | $27,673 |
| In-state tuition at publics (median) | $9,128 | $6,034 |
| Out-of-state tuition at publics (median) | $16,542 | $12,515 |
| Nonresident tuition premium (median) | $8,419 | $7,950 |
| Undergraduates with Pell Grants (median) | 34% | 34% |
| Earnings ten years after entry (median) | $64,498 | $52,768 |
| Earnings as a multiple of yearly net price (median) | 2.9 times | 4.1 times |
| Six-year graduation rate (median) | 62% | 44% |

Inside Pennsylvania, the median private college costs $12,638 more a year after aid than the median public one ($28,585 against $15,947). Private grants explain much of that: the median private college's net price is $37,273 under its published cost, against $7,405 at publics. For Pennsylvania residents, the lowest public net prices are at [Bucks County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/bucks-county-community-college-332) ($5,431 net price), [Lehigh Carbon Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/lehigh-carbon-community-college-1471) ($6,022 net price), and [Westmoreland County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/westmoreland-county-community-college-3250) ($6,175 net price). For students from other states, the lowest out-of-state tuition at a public college here is at Community College of Philadelphia ($12,804), Reading Area Community College ($12,840), and Harrisburg Area Community College ($13,740).

## Key takeaways

- Even this low-cost list covers a wide range: Lock Haven University costs 2.9 times as much after aid as Bucks County Community College ($15,947 against $5,431).
- Community College of Allegheny County, a public school, is the largest campus here at about 11,977 students and ranks 6th, while the smallest school on the list enrolls about 2,441.
- The list spans 14 cities, with Philadelphia each hosting more than one school.
- Public colleges are over-represented, filling 14 of the 15 spots (93%) while making up 52% of the state pool.

## Which of Pennsylvania's lowest-priced publics federal loans could cover

Four years of average net price, a rough total for a student who receives grants and finishes on time, comes to about $21,724 at Bucks County Community College, $41,748 at the median school on this list, and $63,788 at Lock Haven University; fewer than half of students finish within six years at the median school here (23%), so treat four years as a best case. A dependent student can borrow at most $27,000 in federal Direct Loans over four years ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized)); at Bucks County Community College federal loans alone could cover the four-year net price, though borrowing the maximum is rarely the best plan, and 3 of the 15 schools in the table come in under that ceiling over four years.

| College | Four years at avg. net price | Four years of in-state tuition | Four years of out-of-state tuition | Pell Grant recipients | Median earnings (10 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Bucks County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/bucks-county-community-college-332) | $21,724 | $22,732 | $55,852 | 29% | $53,416 |
| [Lehigh Carbon Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/lehigh-carbon-community-college-1471) | $24,088 | $22,464 | $56,192 | 35% | $46,873 |
| [Westmoreland County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/westmoreland-county-community-college-3250) | $24,700 | $24,072 | $57,696 | 29% | $42,418 |
| [Delaware County Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/delaware-county-community-college-784) | $27,932 | $28,080 | $63,120 | 43% | $50,332 |
| [Reading Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/reading-area-community-college-2197) | $32,460 | $26,520 | $51,360 | 44% | $45,376 |

Community College of Philadelphia has the largest share of Pell Grant recipients in the table (61% of undergraduates), so its average net price already reflects many lower-income students; the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27 is $7,395 ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell)). Without grants, four years of tuition alone comes to $18,768 at Community College of Philadelphia and $145,552 at Holy Family University-Pennsylvania, before housing, food, and books; run each school's net price calculator before assuming a family gets no grants, since many middle-income households still qualify. Nonresidents pay a median of $8,419 more a year in tuition at the public schools in the table; most schools in the table are public, so this affects nearly every option, and the widest gap is at Montgomery County Community College-Pennsylvania, where four years of out-of-state tuition costs $43,440 more than Pennsylvania residents pay. Set against earnings, Bucks County Community College stands out: its former students' median earnings of $53,416 ten years after entry are 2.5 times its four-year net price.

## Why Pennsylvania sticker prices require looking past tuition

The full cost of attending college involves much more than the tuition rate listed on a university website. For families planning a budget, the total cost of attendance includes housing, food, books, fees, and personal transportation. In Pennsylvania, these non-tuition expenses often make up the largest share of the bill, especially at two-year public institutions where students commute.

According to CollegesRef data, the median cost of attendance before financial aid in Pennsylvania is $47,380, which sits significantly higher than the national median of $24,202. However, these high sticker prices are frequently met with substantial financial aid packages. The median average net price after grants in Pennsylvania is $23,535, compared to a national median of $13,715. This means that while the initial price tag looks daunting, grants and scholarships do heavy lifting to bring the actual cost down for the average aided student.

### The gap between tuition and the real cost of living

An applicant looking only at tuition will seriously underestimate the yearly cost of attendance. At many Pennsylvania community colleges, the cost of housing, food, books, and personal expenses adds more than $10,000 to the annual bill.

For example, Community College of Philadelphia lists an in-state tuition of $4,692, but its total cost of attendance is $19,978. This leaves $15,286 in expenses beyond tuition. At Northampton County Area Community College, the in-state tuition is $5,850, while the full cost of attendance reaches $18,425. This pattern continues across the state's public two-year systems. Harrisburg Area Community College has an in-state tuition of $7,193 and a total cost of $15,775. Luzerne County Community College charges $7,350 for tuition but estimates the total cost at $15,804. Reading Area Community College lists tuition at $6,630 with a total cost of $14,892, and Lehigh Carbon Community College has a tuition of $5,616 against a total cost of $14,907.

A student who plans to live at home can save on room and board, but those who must rent an apartment near campus must prepare for these substantial living costs.

### How grants slash the final bill at local campuses

The actual amount a family pays depends on the student's financial aid package, which reduces the sticker price to the net price. In Pennsylvania, private nonprofit and public colleges use institutional and state grants to discount their high initial costs.

At Holy Family University-Pennsylvania, a private institution, the sticker price of $42,222 is reduced to an average net price of $12,882, meaning grants take $29,340 off the cost. Public two-year colleges also see significant reductions. At Community College of Philadelphia, grants shave $8,227 off the $19,978 cost of attendance to leave a net price of $11,751. Lehigh Carbon Community College sees its $14,907 cost of attendance reduced by $8,885 to a net price of $6,022. At Community College of Allegheny County, grants reduce the $16,108 cost of attendance to a net price of $8,297. Delaware County Community College has a cost of attendance of $14,388 and an average net price of $6,983, representing a $7,405 discount. Finally, Reading Area Community College reduces its $14,892 cost of attendance by $6,777, leaving an average net price of $8,115. Families must use each college's net price calculator to estimate their specific aid before ruling out schools based on sticker price alone.

## Private colleges in Pennsylvania offer deep discounts through institutional grants

Pennsylvania private colleges carry some of the highest sticker prices in the nation, but they also slash those prices more aggressively than schools in almost any other state. If you look only at the published cost of attendance, you might cross private institutions off your list entirely. Doing so is a mistake because the actual amount families pay after receiving grants is often a fraction of the advertised rate.

According to CollegesRef data, the median private nonprofit college in Pennsylvania has an average net price of $28,585, which is only slightly above the national private college median of $27,673. The real story lies in how these schools reach that number. The median Pennsylvania college reduces its published cost of attendance by $28,823 through grants and scholarships, compared to a national median reduction of just $9,983.

### When private colleges beat public options on price

For most students, public universities represent the budget-friendly path. The median net price at Pennsylvania public colleges is $15,947, which is $12,638 cheaper than the private college median. However, high-need students and those with strong academic profiles often find that generous private institutional aid packages can bridge this gap entirely.

Only 1 of the 15 colleges on the low-cost Pennsylvania list is private, but its numbers demonstrate how deep these private discounts can go. Holy Family University-Pennsylvania has a published cost of attendance of $42,222, yet its average net price after grants is just $12,882. This means the university slashes $29,340 off its sticker price for the average aided student. That net price actually beats the public median by more than $3,000, and it easily beats several public universities on the low-cost list, such as Clarion University of Pennsylvania at $13,840 and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania at $15,771.

### How to compare the real costs

To find these opportunities, families must look past the tuition line on the university website and focus on the net price calculator. Every college is federally mandated to host this tool on its website. By entering financial and academic data, an applicant can estimate their actual out-of-pocket cost before submitting an application.

When the financial aid award letters arrive, families must compare them line by line. Look for the "Estimated Cost of Attendance" and subtract only "Gift Aid," which includes federal Pell Grants, state grants from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, and institutional scholarships. Do not subtract student loans or work-study allotments from the total, as these do not reduce the actual cost of the degree.

A student with a lower income or exceptional high school grades may receive an institutional merit package from a private college like Holy Family University-Pennsylvania that brings their net cost below that of a state school. Do not let the initial $40,000 or $50,000 sticker price scare you away from applying. Use the net price calculator first, secure your financial aid offer, and make your final decision based on the bottom-line cost.

## Why low net prices in Pennsylvania often come with low graduation rates

A low price tag loses its value if a student leaves without a credential. In Pennsylvania, the search for an affordable degree requires balancing upfront costs against the likelihood of finishing. The median six-year graduation rate for the 52 qualifying colleges in the state is 62%, which sits well above the national median of 44% according to CollegesRef data.

Among the 15 lowest-priced schools in the state, however, that completion rate drops sharply. The median graduation rate for the colleges on this affordable list is just 23%. Families must decide whether the immediate savings at these institutions outweigh the statistical risk of stopping out.

### The top performers for degree completion

Only a few schools on the low-cost list manage to combine below-average net prices with strong graduation numbers. Holy Family University-Pennsylvania leads the group. It graduates 67% of its students, beating both the state median of 62% and the national median of 44%. An applicant pays an average net price of $12,882 after grants at Holy Family University-Pennsylvania, making it the most reliable path to graduation on this list.

Two public universities also show relatively strong completion rates while keeping costs under the state median. Clarion University of Pennsylvania graduates 55% of its students with an average net price of $13,840. Lock Haven University is close behind, graduating 54% of its undergraduates with an average net price of $15,947.

These three institutions represent the middle ground for Pennsylvania families. They cost more than the local community colleges, but they finish the job for the majority of their students.

### The high-risk, low-cost community colleges

The cheapest schools on the list present the highest risk of departure without a degree. Harrisburg Area Community College has the lowest graduation rate on the list at 16%, yet students still pay an average net price of $10,627 after grants. Community College of Allegheny County reports a 17% graduation rate with an average net price of $8,297. Community College of Philadelphia charges an average net price of $11,751 but graduates only 18% of its students within six years.

These institutions primarily serve part-time students, working adults, and commuters. These populations frequently pause their education due to work or family demands, which pulls down the official graduation rates.

A student planning to transfer to a four-year university should look closely at articulation agreements rather than relying solely on these low graduation rates. If the goal is a terminal associate degree or a quick certificate, the low completion rates at Harrisburg Area Community College or Community College of Philadelphia demand caution.

An applicant should ask the admissions office for the transfer-out rate. Many community college students transfer to four-year state universities before earning an associate degree, which counts as a non-completion in federal IPEDS tracking.

Comparing Holy Family University-Pennsylvania at 67% to Harrisburg Area Community College at 16% shows that price and graduation rates move in opposite directions. Families must weigh the $5,196 annual price difference against the vastly different probabilities of earning a degree.

## Pennsylvania net prices exceed national norms but offer steep local discounts

A student looking at higher education in Pennsylvania will quickly notice that college here costs significantly more than in most other states. CollegesRef data shows that the median average net price after grants in Pennsylvania is $23,535, which stands in sharp contrast to the national median of $13,715. This means a family navigating the college selection process in the Commonwealth starts with a baseline that is nearly $10,000 higher than the national average.

Despite this high statewide baseline, the state's lowest-cost institutions provide a substantial discount for families who know where to look. The median net price among the fifteen listed colleges is $10,437, which actually beats the national median by over $3,000. For students who choose to commute or attend a local campus, these institutions represent a highly affordable path to a degree.

### The wide gap between community colleges and four-year universities

The list of affordable Pennsylvania options is not uniform, and the actual out-of-pocket cost varies dramatically depending on the type of institution a student selects. At the very bottom of the pricing scale, three public community colleges offer the lowest net prices in the state. Bucks County Community College leads the list with an average net price of $5,431, followed closely by Lehigh Carbon Community College at $6,022 and Westmoreland County Community College at $6,175. These schools keep costs low by focusing primarily on associate degrees and certificate programs, allowing local students to avoid the heavy room and board fees associated with residential campuses.

At the other end of this affordable list, the prices begin to climb as four-year public universities enter the picture. The highest net prices on this specific list belong to Clarion University of Pennsylvania at $13,840, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania at $15,771, and Lock Haven University at $15,947. While these three institutions are still highly affordable compared to the state median of $23,535, they cost nearly three times as much as the community colleges at the top of the list. A student choosing Lock Haven University over Bucks County Community College will pay an extra $10,516 per year, a difference that quickly compounds over a four-year enrollment period.

### How to use these net price figures when planning

When a family receives a financial aid award letter, the financial aid office will list the total cost of attendance alongside various grants, scholarships, and loans. The average net price figures published by CollegesRef represent what real students actually pay after subtracting all federal, state, and institutional grant aid. It does not include student loans, which must be paid back with interest.

An applicant should use these state and national medians as benchmarks when comparing financial aid packages. If a four-year public university in Pennsylvania sends an aid letter with a net price of $20,000, that package is technically cheaper than the state median of $23,535, but it remains much more expensive than the national median of $13,715. Families must look closely at the line items on their aid letters to ensure that "net price" is not being artificially lowered by the inclusion of parent or student loans. Comparing the actual out-of-pocket cost of Lock Haven University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, or Clarion University of Pennsylvania against local community colleges helps families decide if the residential four-year experience is worth the premium.

## Pennsylvania graduates earn more but face a tighter net price ratio

Pennsylvania college graduates outpace the national median for earnings ten years after entering school, yet the state's high net prices squeeze the return on a family's initial investment. According to CollegesRef data, the median salary for former students in Pennsylvania is $64,498, which sits well above the national median of $52,768. Despite these stronger salaries, the median earnings in the state represent just 2.9 times the yearly net price of $23,535. Nationwide, that same ratio is 4.1 times the national median net price of $13,715. Students in the Commonwealth must choose their campuses carefully to ensure their post-college paychecks comfortably clear the debt required to graduate.

### Where the salary-to-price ratio is strongest

At the very bottom of the net price list, a few community colleges deliver a rate of return that far exceeds both state and national benchmarks. Bucks County Community College leads the entire group. Former students there earn a median of $53,416 ten years after entry, a salary that represents 9.8 times the school's exceptionally low average net price of $5,431.

Lehigh Carbon Community College offers a similarly strong financial equation for local families. Students at the Schnecksville campus pay an average net price of $6,022 and go on to earn a median salary of $46,873, yielding a ratio of 7.8 times. Close behind is Delaware County Community College in Media. The school charges an average net price of $6,983, while its alumni post median earnings of $50,332, which is 7.2 times the yearly cost after grants. For students who plan to enter the workforce immediately with an associate degree or a technical credential, these three institutions offer some of the safest financial starting points in the state.

### Higher costs drag down the return at other local campuses

Not all low-cost options in Pennsylvania yield the same financial head start. Several schools on the list charge higher net prices without producing the higher salaries needed to balance the ledger. Northampton County Area Community College, for instance, has an average net price of $12,119, but its graduates earn a median of $45,789 ten years after entry. This results in a ratio of just 3.8 times, matching the ratio at Community College of Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, students face an average net price of $11,751 and go on to earn a median salary of $44,885.

Harrisburg Area Community College performs only slightly better on this metric. With an average net price of $10,627 and median alumni earnings of $45,834, its ratio sits at 4.3 times. While a ratio of 3.8 or 4.3 is close to the national median of 4.1, it represents a much tighter financial margin for a student than the ratios found at Bucks County or Lehigh Carbon.

Families comparing these options must look beyond the initial brand name or location of a campus. A student who borrows to attend a school with a higher net price and a lower typical salary will carry a heavier financial burden into their twenties. When reviewing financial aid award letters, applicants should compare the net price on the bottom line directly against these ten-year earnings benchmarks to see if the local wage premium justifies the extra cost.

## Public community colleges dominate Pennsylvania's lowest net price rankings

Public institutions make up 52% of the colleges in Pennsylvania, compared to 75% nationwide. Despite this smaller share, public schools claim 14 of the 15 spots on the low-cost list. This concentration highlights how difficult it is for private colleges in the state to match the net prices of local community colleges, even when those private schools offer deep institutional discounts.

For a student looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs, these public options provide the most direct path to a low bill. The median net price for public colleges across Pennsylvania is $15,947. While this sits above the national public median of $10,454, the state's community colleges pull those costs down significantly for local commuters.

### Comparing the lowest-cost public options

Bucks County Community College leads the state with an average net price of $5,431 and an in-state tuition rate of $5,683. It also achieves a 26% graduation rate, which is the highest among the lowest-cost public options. Just behind it, Lehigh Carbon Community College offers a net price of $6,022 and in-state tuition of $5,616, with 25% of its students graduating. Westmoreland County Community College presents a net price of $6,175 and in-state tuition of $6,018, though its graduation rate drops slightly to 22%.

Further down the list, Delaware County Community College has an average net price of $6,983 and in-state tuition of $7,020, paired with a 23% graduation rate. Reading Area Community College reports an average net price of $8,115 and in-state tuition of $6,630, graduating 24% of its cohort. Finally, Community College of Allegheny County shows an average net price of $8,297 and a graduation rate of 17%, though its specific in-state tuition figure is omitted from the federal database.

### Balancing low costs against graduation rates

An applicant must weigh these low net prices against the likelihood of completing a degree. The graduation rates at these affordable public institutions hover between 17% and 26%. These figures reflect the challenges faced by commuter students, part-time learners, and working adults who frequently attend community colleges.

A student choosing Bucks County Community College or Lehigh Carbon Community College will save thousands of dollars annually compared to a four-year public university. However, they must plan their academic path carefully to ensure they do not become part of the majority that leaves without a credential.

Families should look at the specific support services, transfer agreements, and advising offices at these campuses. If the goal is a four-year bachelor's degree, a student can use these low-cost public colleges to complete general education requirements at a fraction of the cost before transferring to a state university. This strategy keeps overall debt low while maximizing the chance of ultimate graduation.

## Building a Pennsylvania Application and Aid Plan

A student can use these state-specific figures to target the right schools and avoid heavy debt. The first step is identifying institutions where the net price is low but the graduation rate remains relatively strong. Three colleges in the state sit at or below the list median on net price and above it on graduation rate: Bucks County Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Reading Area Community College. Starting an application list with these schools provides a realistic financial baseline.

### Estimating the Federal Loan Gap

Many families assume federal student loans will cover the entire cost of a degree, but federal limits are strict. A dependent undergraduate can borrow at most $27,000 in federal Direct Loans over four years, according to studentaid.gov. Only 3 of the 15 listed Pennsylvania colleges have a four-year average net price that fits within this $27,000 federal limit.

For example, Bucks County Community College has an average net price of $5,431, which equals $21,724 over four years. This fits safely under the federal borrowing cap. However, at the median Pennsylvania public college, the average net price is $15,947. Over four years, that net price totals $63,788. A dependent student at a median public college in this state will face a funding gap of $36,788 that federal student loans cannot cover.

Families must cover these gaps through parent income, savings, private loans, or Parent PLUS loans, which are capped at $20,000 per year starting in July 2026.

### Comparing Pennsylvania Award Letters

When the financial aid offers arrive, families must look past the total aid package and calculate the actual net price. Financial aid offices often list federal loans, parent loans, and work-study in the same column as grants and scholarships. A student must subtract only the free money, such as Pell Grants and institutional scholarships, from the total cost of attendance.

Compare the remaining out-of-pocket cost to the graduation rates of the schools. Several low-cost options in Pennsylvania graduate fewer than 40% of students within six years. These include Bucks County Community College at 26%, Lehigh Carbon Community College at 25%, Westmoreland County Community College at 22%, Delaware County Community College at 23%, Reading Area Community College at 24%, and Community College of Allegheny County at 17%.

If a student attends a school with a low graduation rate, they face a higher risk of borrowing money without earning a degree. Compare a low-cost, low-graduation-rate community college against a higher-priced four-year institution with a stronger completion record. A student must decide if paying the higher median Pennsylvania net price of $23,535 is worth the increased likelihood of finishing their degree on time.

Ask the financial aid office at each school if their institutional grants are guaranteed for all four years. Many Pennsylvania private colleges offer steep discounts to freshmen but reduce those grants in later years. Check the line items on the award letter for "estimated indirect costs" like travel and books, which can vary significantly between commuter campuses and residential universities.

## How this list was built

The 15 colleges here have the lowest average net price out of 52 published Pennsylvania institutions that enroll at least 2,000 students and report both an average net price and a graduation rate. One more Pennsylvania college of that size is left out because a figure is missing. Figures are unadjusted IPEDS and College Scorecard values ([definitions](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#definitions), [inclusion rules](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#inclusion)). National figures apply the same rules to 1,389 colleges. Four-year totals are one year's figure times four, and aid limits are 2026-27 studentaid.gov amounts.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the cheapest college in Pennsylvania?

Bucks County Community College, a public college, has the lowest average net price among Pennsylvania colleges with at least 2,000 students, at $5,431 a year after grants, or $18,104 under the state median. It also graduates 26% of students, better than most schools on this list.

### Are colleges in Pennsylvania cheaper than the national average?

Generally, no. Qualifying Pennsylvania colleges have a median net price of $23,535, about $9,820 more than the national median of $13,715.

## Keep researching

- [Colleges in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/state/pennsylvania)
- [Easiest colleges to get into in Pennsylvania](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-in-pennsylvania)
- [Net price gap by state](https://www.collegesref.com/data/net-price-gap-by-state)
- [How CollegesRef matches similar colleges](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology)

## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/))

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Source: CollegesRef, https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-pennsylvania-by-net-price. When citing a figure, include the data year stated next to it.