[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Online colleges in Pennsylvania prepare students for in-demand careers in business, healthcare, technology, and the life sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Keystone State provides several benefits for college students. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program/” target=”/"_blank"”]Pennsylvania State Grant Program[/hen-ui-link] offers financial aid for undergraduates, including students attending online colleges in PA. Many of the state’s online colleges also offer tuition discounts for fully online learners and in-state students, making a college degree more affordable.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online learners can pursue degrees in many fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The state’s online program options include nursing degrees and online [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/salary-guide/mba-salary/”]MBA[/hen-ui-link] programs. With a college degree, graduates can qualify for opportunities in many of Pennsylvania’s key industries, including the life sciences, business, and technology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list ranks the best colleges in Pennsylvania with online programs, including public and private colleges and universities. We only include regionally accredited schools in our rankings to ensure the highest educational quality. Prospective applicants can use this list to find the right program for their budget, interests, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] ​ [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] ​ ​ [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] ​ ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Employment in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College graduates benefit from a strong economic outlook in Pennsylvania. The state’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/pennsylvania/” target=”_blank”]below-average cost of living[/hen-ui-link] makes PA an attractive place for businesses and workers. Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://dced.pa.gov/key-industries/” target=”/"_blank"”]major industries[/hen-ui-link] include energy, manufacturing, life sciences, and plastics. Jobs in many of the state’s most common careers require a college degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, fewer than [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/PA/” target=”_blank”]1 in 3 Pennsylvanians[/hen-ui-link] have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many of Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]highest-paying jobs[/hen-ui-link] require a bachelor’s degree, including careers like financial manager, construction manager, nurse practitioner, or information security analyst. All of these occupations pay average salaries of over $100,000 in Pennsylvania. Earning a college degree is a good way for Pennsylvanians to increase their earning potential and qualify for more jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying, fastest-growing careers in Pennsylvania include opportunities in healthcare, management, tech, and criminal justice. Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]unemployment rate[/hen-ui-link] slightly exceeds the national average, while the average annual wage sits just above the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information covers some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 1,000 individuals in Pennsylvania. Salary information refers specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General Internal Medicine Physicians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$251,540[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Chief Executives[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$227,250[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/” target=”_blank”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Family Medicine Physicians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$218,310[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Psychiatrists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$214,410[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]12%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Nurse Anesthetists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$185,090[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/” target=”_blank”]14%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following data reflects some of the highest-paying roles employing more than 15,000 professionals in Pennsylvania. Salary figures apply specifically to Pennsylvania, while job growth data refers to the entire United States.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Most Common Careers in Pennsylvania[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Physicians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$202,340[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm/” target=”_blank”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$153,730[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]15%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer and Information Systems Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$145,460[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]10%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Lawyers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$139,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm/” target=”_blank”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]General and Operations Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]$131,060[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/” target=”_blank”]6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Education Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Associate and Graduate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to bachelor’s programs, colleges in PA offer online associate and graduate programs. The switch to online-only education during the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded online options and led to more distance learning opportunities. Online learners at accredited Pennsylvania colleges receive the same high-quality education as those attending on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the associate level, undergrads can earn degrees in business, engineering, and applied technology. These programs prepare graduates for the workforce or offer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. Pennsylvania’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.patrac.org/Transfer-Degrees” target=”_blank”]statewide pathway program[/hen-ui-link] allows graduates with associate degrees to apply their credits directly to four-year degrees at other Pennsylvania schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the graduate level, degree-seekers can choose from online options in fields like business, education, and nursing. For example, Penn State offers an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.smeal.psu.edu/onlinemba/” target=”_blank”]online MBA program[/hen-ui-link], and Cal U offers several [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.calu.edu/academics/nursing/index.aspx/” target=”_blank”]online master’s programs in nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online learning appeals to busy students and professionals who are seeking career advancement or changes. Working professionals may prefer the flexibility of an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronous learning schedule[/hen-ui-link] over attending in-person classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs include in-person components, offer hybrid options, or require learners to complete practicum requirements in their local areas. For example, online nursing students and education majors often must meet practicum requirements through nearby hospitals or schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”What to Look for in an Online College” href=”/resources/what-to-look-for-online-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Pick a College” href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] ​ ​ [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] ​ [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Online College Cheaper in Pennsylvania?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many online colleges in Pennsylvania offer tuition discounts for fully online students and in-state learners, though the after-fees cost can vary. Choosing an online learning format can sometimes save students money, though not always.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are the 14 Pennsylvania State Colleges?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CLARION UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]EDINBORO UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]INDIANA UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Hardest College To Get Into in Pennsylvania?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Pennsylvania colleges with the lowest acceptance rates include University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, and Carnegie Mellon University.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]