Attending College in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know (Including Pennsylvania Scholarships)

Updated on January 6th, 2024

For many students, attending college in Pennsylvania is the perfect option. PA has a wide array of outstanding schools that offer exceptional cultures and academics. But with so many to choose from, finding an ideal match isn’t always easy. Plus, students have to figure out the best way to cover the cost, and that can prove tricky.

If your student plans on attending college in Pennsylvania, scholarships can make nearly any school affordable. If you and your student want to learn about Pennsylvania scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.

Fortunately, students interested in Pennsylvania colleges and universities can simplify their college decisions with the right information. If your student is trying to find their ideal PA university or college (and wants information about how to cover the cost of their education, including scholarships for Pennsylvania college students), here’s what they need to know.

Contents

1 About Pennsylvania
2 Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania
- 2.1 College Towns in Pennsylvania
- 2.2 Major Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities
3 Pennsylvania Financial Aid
- 3.1 Pennsylvania College Grants
- 3.2 Pennsylvania Scholarships
4 Living and Getting Around in Pennsylvania
5 Making Money in Pennsylvania

About Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with an intriguing history and some unique claims to fame. From rocky mountains to sandy flatlands, you can find it all in PA. The state is also home to several breathtaking forests, many of which attract visitors from across the region.

As for some fascinating history, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – which once served as the nation’s capital – is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The state is home to the first baseball stadium in the country, as well as the first public zoo. In 1784, the first newspaper in the country was published. Punxsutawney Phil – the weather-forecasting groundhog – is also in Pennsylvania.

When it comes to the weather, Pennsylvania has a humid continental-type climate. Summers are typically warm but comfortable, with average temperatures ranging between 68°F and 74°F depending on the exact location. Temperatures above 90°F aren’t common, but they do happen between 10 and 35 days annually.

Winters are usually cold, and freezing temperatures can happen for about 100 days annually. Precipitation occurs regularly throughout the year, too, with annual totals generally ranging between 34 and 52 inches.

Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

There is a total of 332 universities and colleges in Pennsylvania. Among them are 152 four-year institutions and 180 two-year community colleges and trade schools.

With that many higher education institutions in the state, most students can’t feasibly check out each one to see if it’s a match. Fortunately, by using the proper techniques, it’s easy to narrow down the options with surprising speed. Here is a quick look at two strategies that often work well.

College Towns in Pennsylvania

While students typically start their college search by focusing on schools, that isn’t always the best approach. Some students may find the process easier by checking out Pennsylvania college towns as a starting point instead.

The reason this is often an intelligent move is it helps students keep the bigger picture in mind. While students do classically spend the majority of their time on campus, they also need to ensure that the surrounding city meets their broader needs. Generally, college towns have amenities geared toward young adults. Plus, the local community is very supportive of its schools, which can work in students’ favor.

Here is a list of some college towns in Pennsylvania students could consider:

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Lewisburg, PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
State College, Pennsylvania
Swarthmore, PA

Generally, the list above serves as a solid way for students to begin narrowing down their options. However, if the cities above aren’t the ideal match, many others do have excellent schools. As a result, students should broaden their search if the options above aren’t the right fit.

Major Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities

For students who are more concerned about their academic experience or finding a school with the right culture, checking out the leading PA. state colleges could be the better option. Major universities and colleges usually bring something unique and exceptional to the table that students may want to find.

Ultimately, when it comes to colleges and universities, PA has plenty of options. For students looking to narrow down their search, here is a list of major Pennsylvania universities and colleges to serve as a starting point:

What’s critical to remember is that the schools in the list above aren’t the only good colleges in Pennsylvania. Instead, there are many more Pennsylvania public universities, private colleges, and technical schools that offer excellent academics and overall experiences. As a result, if the colleges in PA on this list aren’t the perfect fit for your student, that’s okay. They can simply check out other Pennsylvania state universities and schools to find one that’s a better match.

Pennsylvania Financial Aid

After deciding what schools are likely the best fit, students need to determine how they’ll cover the cost. For most, that means learning more about financial aid options.

While financial aid packages can include student loans, those result in debt. Fortunately, Pennsylvania college scholarships and grants can make graduating debt-free possible, which is why they’re the preferred option.

Generally, PA scholarships and grants are administered at the state level or by local organizations. As a result, they often focus on in-state students. Residency requirements typically play a role in the equation, and they’re usually similar to what’s required for in-state tuition. For example, students may need to live in PA for a non-academic reason for at least one year prior to the start of the school year.

For out-of-state students looking for scholarships, Pennsylvania awards may not work. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options. For example, institutional awards might not require residency, so they’re open to in-state and out-of-state students. That means all students should check those out.

Pennsylvania College Grants

In many ways, grants for college in PA work a lot like Pell Grants, with the main difference being that they’re administered by either the state or a local entity instead of the federal government. College grants don’t require repayment as long as students adhere to the requirements. Since that’s the case, they are an excellent way for students to avoid student loans.

When compared to other states, Pennsylvania has a lot of college grants available. However, each has unique eligibility requirements, so students need to review the rules carefully before applying.

Here is a list of Pennsylvania student grants worth exploring:

Pennsylvania Scholarships

For local students, Pennsylvania college scholarships are another stellar way to avoid student loan debt. Like grants, repayment isn’t necessary as long as students follow through on any related agreements.

As with grants, students need to review the eligibility rules carefully before applying. Some awards focus on specific educational levels, such as scholarships in PA for high school seniors, current undergraduates, or graduates. Additionally, college scholarships in PA may limit applicants based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.

Here is a list of scholarships for PA students that can serve as a starting point:

Living and Getting Around in Pennsylvania

Before students head to PA for college, it’s wise to learn a bit about what living and getting around in the state is like. That way, they can handle their on-campus and off-campus needs with greater ease. Here’s an overview of what students should know.

Housing in Pennsylvania

Many students initially debate between housing options, particularly choosing between dorms and off-campus apartments. However, making a decision is usually easier if students understand the cost of housing in PA.

In Pennsylvania, the average home value is $254,802 (as of January 2024). While that’s more than $90,000 less than the national average of $346,048, it means buying a house is usually well out of reach of most students.

When it comes to apartment rentals, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,002, while a two-bedroom typically costs $1,228. For some students, that is potentially affordable, particularly if they have a roommate. However, others may see those prices and decide that getting a dorm room is the best option.

Transportation Options

When students need to head off-campus, they have plenty of ways to get around. Cities usually have rideshares, buses, and taxis available. Plus, for long-distance travel, there are airports and trains.

Here is a list of the major PA airports:

When it comes to trains, the state is home to more than 20 Amtrak stations. The state has its own Amtrak route – the Pennsylvanian – (which also reaches New York City) and is connected to several other long-distance train routes due to the Philadelphia station acting as a hub.

Here is a list of the PA Amtrak Stations and the routes they’re connected to:

Altoona, PA (ALT) – Pennsylvanian
Ardmore, PA (ARD) – Pennsylvanian
Coatesville, PA (COT) – Keystone
Connellsville, PA (COV) – Capitol Limited
Cornwells Heights, PA (CWH) – Keystone
Downingtown, PA (DOW) – Keystone
Elizabethtown, PA (ELT) – Keystone, Pennsylvanian
Exton, PA (EXT) – Pennsylvanian
Greensburg, PA (GNB) – Pennsylvanian
Harrisburg, PA (HAR) – Pennsylvanian
Huntingdon, PA (HGD) – Pennsylvanian
Johnstown, PA (JST) – Pennsylvanian
Lancaster, PA (LNC) – Pennsylvanian
Latrobe, PA (LAB) – Pennsylvanian
Lewistown, PA (LEW) – Pennsylvanian
Middletown, PA (MID) – Keystone
Mount Joy, PA (MJY) – Keystone
Paoli, PA (PAO) – Pennsylvanian
Parkesburg, PA (PAR) – Keystone
Philadelphia, PA (PHL) – Acela, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Keystone, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Vermonter
Pittsburgh, PA (PGH) – Capitol Limited, Pennsylvanian
North Philadelphia, PA (PHN) – Keystone
Tyrone, PA (TYR) – Pennsylvanian

Things to Do in Pennsylvania

For college students looking for an exciting day out away from campus, Pennsylvania has plenty to offer. History buffs may appreciate a trip to Independence Hall, Eastern State Penitentiary, or Gettysburg National Military Park. Art fans should head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and check out the fantastic exhibits or go to the Andy Warhol Museum to see works by Warhol in person.

For movie fans, going to the “Rocky” statue is a fun option. A trip to Hershey Park is excellent for students looking for a thrill. If students want to spend time outdoors, hiking to Bushkill Falls is potentially the perfect outing.

Pennsylvania also has several major sports teams, including NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and MLS teams. That means sports fans have plenty of options for live games, particularly if they’re in or near a major city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.

Making Money in Pennsylvania

While learning about scholarships for college students in PA is helpful, many students will still need some other type of income to handle all of their expenses. As a result, it’s beneficial to look beyond scholarships in Pennsylvania and understand what making money in PA involves. Here’s what students need to know.

Minimum Wage

Many students need the flexibility that part-time jobs offer when they’re attending college. Plus, part-time positions often require little (if any) work experience. As a result, many college students end up in minimum wage roles. That makes knowing what the minimum wage is critical.

In Pennsylvania, the current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Tipped workers can earn as little as $2.83 per hour from their employers. However, if tips don’t bring them up to the equivalent of $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Lawmakers in PA have put forth legislation that would increase the state’s minimum wage, but none of it has formally become law as of early January 2024.

Employment Rates

A state’s unemployment rate usually provides insights into the availability of jobs for college students. Low unemployment means positions are more plentiful, while the reverse is true when unemployment is high.

In Pennsylvania, the unemployment rate is 3.4 percent (as of November 2023). That’s a bit below the national average of 3.7 percent and is considered low overall. For most students, that’s good news, as it typically means jobs are reasonably available.

Pennsylvania Key Industries

Understanding a state’s key industries helps students in several ways. First, it could show them options if they’re looking for part-time jobs or internships. Second, the primary industries present in a state are solid indications of which career paths are most viable in the area and that provides value to students who want to stay in the region long-term.

Pennsylvania does have a diverse economy, but specific sectors do play prominent roles. Advanced manufacturing, plastics production, chemical manufacturing, and food processing are major industries. The same is true of energy production, life sciences, and medical technology.

Distribution and logistics are also big business in PA, largely due to the state’s overall location within the county and proximity to Canada. Aerospace, defense, and robotics are sizeable sectors, as well, along with semiconductor manufacturing.

Attending College in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know (Including Pennsylvania Scholarships)

About Pennsylvania