Best Universities in Pennsylvania for International Students

Darshan Shah

26 Sep 2024

Pennsylvania is an ideal location for international students. It offers a lot of opportunities for personal and professional growth. It boasts many academic programmes, large institutes, research-based education, high-quality research labs and top campus life. Beyond academics, it also provides students with vibrant campus life and student clubs that organise many events and seminars for international students. Universities in Pennsylvania support international students in many ways like, provide them with financial aid options, providing them career counselling, and organising cultural events and seminars for them. Pennsylvania offers students a rich cultural heritage, dynamic student life, practical learning experience, job opportunities and a supportive community, making it an ideal destination for international students. In this blog, we will help you explore why students choose Pennsylvania for their education and career, what is the cost of living in Pennsylvania for international students and the best universities in Pennsylvania for international students.

Why choose Pennsylvania?

Check out few main reasons why international students consider Pennsylvania as an ideal location for their further education-

World-class universities

Pennsylvania offers top institutes for international students. These universities are highly ranked, reputed globally and provide diverse programs to international students.

Diverse academic programmes

International students can find every specialisation and program in Pennsylvania institutes that support their career goals. Different programs which are popular are business administration, engineering, computer, science, arts and health science.

Cultural diversity

Students belonging to different cultures from all around the world visit Pennsylvania for further education. Pennsylvania hosts a diverse population, providing a very inclusive environment for international students.

Affordable cost of living

The affordability of the state makes it an ideal location for international students. When compared to other big states of the US, Pennsylvania provides a moderate cost of living especially in smaller cities.

Career opportunities

Many big companies and headquarters are situated in Pennsylvania. This provides a lot of internship and job opportunities for international students to build their careers.

Rich history and culture

Pennsylvania keeps a balance between academics and the personal life of international students. The state offers museums, Rich history and vibrant student life, enriching the experience of international students.

Cost of living in Pennsylvania for international students

International students, while deciding the university and the state for their education, consider very important factors such as cost of living and tuition fees. This is a very personal expense as the cost of living completely depends on the personal preference and choice of international students. We have put down an approximate range of cost of living in Pennsylvania for international students.

Tuition fees

For international students, the undergraduate programme's tuition fees is around $25,000-$45,000 yearly.
For international students, the postgraduate programmes tuition fees is around $30,000-$60,000 yearly.

Housing

On campus housing ranges between $8000-$12,000 per academic year.
Students go for an apartment outside the campus. The approximate rent is around $600 to $1200 per month.

Utility

Under utility comes electricity, water, heating, and cooling. The approximate expense is around $100-$200 monthly. For the Internet, the expenses are around $50-$80 monthly.

Food

Grocery completely depends on the utility and preference. Students can expect $200-$400 monthly for groceries.
Students choose to dine out per meal; the expense is around $10-$20.
Almost all the universities provide on-campus meal services. It ranges between $3000-$5000 yearly.

Transportation

Students usually take up public transportation while travelling to universities or other places. Public transportation provides university students with discounts. The expense is around $50-$100.
If students own a car, the monthly expenses are around $200 to $400

Other miscellaneous expense

For books and other supplies, the expense is around $500 to $800 yearly.
Entertainment is a very personal expense, but approximately a student spends around $100-$200 monthly.
It is usually compulsory for international students to take up health insurance. It is around $1500-$2500 yearly.

Universities in Pennsylvania for International Students

Here is the list of all the top universities in Pennsylvania for international students. These universities are known for diverse programs, and Vibrant environments for international students. Check out the list below-

University of Pennsylvania

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- private Ivy League research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $63,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $50,000 - $75,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Need-based scholarship, (Penn International financial aid for international students)
Merit-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Professional Degree
Top programs-
Business (Wharton School)
Engineering
Medicine
Law
Social science and humanities
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering
LCME- Medicine

Carnegie Mellon University

Location- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type- private research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $62,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $50,000 - $70,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Need-based scholarship
Merit-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Engineering
Computer science
Arts and design
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering

University of Pittsburgh

Location- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Type- a public research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $33,500-$35,500 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $34,000 - $45,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Limited Merit based sch,olarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Public health
Engineering
Medicine
Business
Social science
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering

Pennsylvania State University- University Park

Location- University Park, Pennsylvania
Type- a public research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs the tuition fees are around $37,000 - $39,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $30,000 - $45,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Need-based scholarship,
Merit based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Engineering
Agriculture Science
Earth and mineral science
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering

Temple University- USA

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- a public research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $30,000-$33,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $25,000 - $35,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship (Temple International Merit Scholarship)
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Professional Degree
Top programs-
Business
Education
Media and communication
Law
Health Science
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABA- Law
CEPH- Public health

Drexel University

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- private research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $58,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $30,000 - $50,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Engineering
Nursing
Media arts and design
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering

Lehigh University

Location- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Type- private research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $60,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $28,000 - $42,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship,
Need based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Engineering
Business
Arts and science
Education
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business
ABET- Engineering

Thomas Jefferson University

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- Private health Science and research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $42,000-$47,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $25,000 - $50,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Professional Degree
Top programs-
Architecture
Occupational therapy
Nursing
Health Science
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
CCNE- Nursing
ACOTE- occupational therapy

Swarthmore College

Location- Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Type- private, liberal arts College
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $61,000 yearly.
No postgraduate programs are available.
Scholarship-
Need-based scholarship programme
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Top programs-
Social science
Natural science
Humanities
Engineering
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)

Saint Joseph’s University

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- private Jesuit university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $50,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $15,000 - $30,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Education
Health studies
Humanities
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
AACSB- Business

La Salle University

Location- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Type- private Catholic university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs the tuition fees are around $33,000-$34,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $26,000 - $29,000 yearly.
Scholarship-,
Merit-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Nursing
Communication
Education
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
CCNE- Nursing
AACSB- Business

Misericordia University

Location- Dallas, Pennsylvania
Type- Private catholic university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $37,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $27,000 - $35,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship,
Need-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Education
Nursing
Health Science
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
CCNE- Nursing
ACOTE- occupational therapy

Widener University

Location- Chester, Pennsylvania
Type- private research university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $50,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $28,000 - $40,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Engineering
Nursing
Law
Business
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
ABET- Engineering
AACSB- Business

Wilkes University

Location- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Type- private university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $40,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $25,000 - $35,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need-based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Pharmacy
Engineering
Business
Nursing
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
ACPE- pharmacy
AACSB- Business

West Chester University

Location- West Chester, Pennsylvania
Type- public university
Tuition fees-
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $22,000-$23,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $16,000 - $22,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Limited Merit based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctorate degree
Top programs-
Business
Education
Health Science
Music
Accreditation
By MSCHE (middle state commission on higher education)
NASM- Music
AACSB- Business

Conclusion

Pennsylvania is considered one of the ideal locations for students, offering diverse programmes, high-ranking universities and supportive communities. The universities in Pennsylvania provide international students with academic excellence and research-based experience. Students get to experience different industries and find what actually interests them from different fields of programs available. Pennsylvania provides a very welcoming atmosphere for international students to feel homely. It has a vibrant campus life and cultural diversity which improves the experience of international students. For students who are seeking both personal and professional growth, Pennsylvania is definitely an ideal location. We at D-Vivid consultant will help you explore the top universities in Pennsylvania, for international students. We will help you get into your university by being part of your admission process. Our professional experts will help you write SOPs, build your resume, prepare you for interviews, help with the visa process and help in the admission application.

Social Share :

Important Resources

Best Universities in ohio for International Students Best Universities in Scotland for International Students Best Universities in northern ireland for international students Best Universities in England for international students Best Universities in Kentucky for International Students Best Universities in Kansas for International Students

Score Predictor () :

Predict your PTE, IELTS, TOEFL score! Tried by 7k + students

STEP 1 of 7

Select Board

Comments

0 Comment

Comment by 0 user

Similar Articles

10/02/2026

List of GRE-Waiver Universities in USA

Many students hesitate to apply to US universities because of the GRE, but this exam is no longer a mandatory requirement for many programs. This blog provides a detailed list of GRE-waiver universities in the USA, explaining how GRE waivers work, which programs commonly offer them, and who can benefit the most from applying without GRE scores. It also highlights how D-Vivid Consultant helps students shortlist the right GRE-waiver universities, build strong applications through SOPs and profiles, and secure admissions confidently without the stress of standardized tests.

10/02/2026

Universities in USA Still Accepting Applications for 2026

Many students worry that missing early deadlines means losing their chance to study in the USA, but that is not always true. This blog explains which universities in the USA are still accepting applications for the 2026 intake, including Spring and Fall options, rolling admissions, and flexible deadlines. It guides students on who should apply late, available programs, document readiness, and visa considerations, while also showing how D-Vivid Consultant helps students shortlist open universities, apply quickly, and secure admissions even at a later stage without compromising career goals.

10/02/2026

CPT vs OPT: Key Differences Every Student Must Know

Understanding the difference between CPT and OPT is essential for international students who want to work legally in the United States during and after their studies. This blog clearly explains CPT vs OPT by covering eligibility, duration, work rules, impact on future OPT, and how each option fits into academic and career planning. It also highlights how D-Vivid Consultant helps students choose the right work authorization at the right time, avoid common mistakes, and build a strong long term career strategy in the USA.

10/02/2026

USA Study Checklist: Application to Visa

Planning to study in the USA involves multiple steps, and missing even one can affect admissions or visa approval. This blog provides a complete USA study checklist that guides students through every stage, from profile evaluation and university applications to financial planning and visa interviews. It simplifies the entire process into clear, actionable steps, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and explains how D-Vivid Consultant supports students at each stage to ensure a smooth, well planned journey from application to visa approval.

10/02/2026

USA Profile Evaluation: Who Has a Real Chance?

A USA profile evaluation helps students understand their true chances of securing admission and visa approval instead of relying on assumptions or hearsay. This blog explains how factors like academic background, GPA, course and career alignment, test scores, work experience, SOP quality, and financial readiness determine whether a student has a realistic chance to study in the USA. It also highlights common mistakes, myths about profile strength, and how D-Vivid Consultant provides honest evaluations, strategic university shortlisting, and visa focused guidance to help students move forward with clarity and confidence.

10/02/2026

STEM Universities in USA with High Visa Success Rate

Choosing the right STEM university plays a major role in securing a US student visa, especially for international applicants aiming for long term career opportunities. This blog explains which STEM universities in the USA are known for higher visa success rates, what makes them visa friendly, and how factors like university credibility, course alignment, location, finances, and STEM OPT eligibility influence visa decisions. It also highlights how D-Vivid Consultant helps students strategically select STEM programs, prepare strong documentation, and approach visa interviews with confidence to improve approval chances.

10/02/2026

CPT vs OPT: Key Differences Every Student Must Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the few top institutes in Pennsylvania for international students?

Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of universities and programs across various fields. A few top institutes include- the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, Lehigh University, and Temple University.

What is the average tuition fee for international students?

For the bachelor's program, the tuition fee is around $25,000 to $45,000 yearly. For a master's degree, international students must expect tuition fees of around $30,000 to $60,000 yearly.

Is Pennsylvania an affordable state for international students?

universities are popular among international students as it provides low tuition fees and low cost of living. It is an affordable state for international students when compared to other big states like New York and California in the US.

What are the few top programs in Pennsylvania for international students?

Pennsylvania is known to offer diverse academic options for students to explore different fields according to their interests. Few top programs include- business administration, engineering, health science, computer, science, and social science.

Are scholarships available for international students in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania universities provide students with many scholarship programs. Mainly universities provide merit based and need based scholarship programs. They provide assistantships and fellowship scholarship programmes for graduate students.