On this page
Key Takeaways
Best information systems degree programs: Pennsylvania State, U of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $7,560 to $64,418/year
Bucks County Community Co... offers the most affordable option at $7,920/yr
Information Systems degree programs available: 16 associate's, 26 master's, 6 doctoral in Pennsylvania
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
23 online information systems degree programs in Pennsylvania
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Pennsylvania community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
16 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Comcast, SAP, Vanguard, Bentley Systems
Tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Hakia Research 2026
Information Systems degree programs near 162+ cities across Pennsylvania
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Pennsylvania Information Systems programs
We rank 113 accredited information systems programs in Pennsylvania using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Information Systems Degree Programs in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Systems Degree Rankings in Pennsylvania
Compare the top-ranked Information Systems programs in Pennsylvania by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Systems Programs in Pennsylvania
Program Landscape
Pennsylvania offers 16 accredited associate's degree programs in information systems, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Pennsylvania State Univer..., Montgomery County Communi..., Bucks County Community Co..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Pennsylvania offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $14,557/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,857 in Pennsylvania.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Pennsylvania's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Comcast, SAP, Vanguard hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information systems schools in Pennsylvania, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information systems degrees in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois | DuBois, PA | Public | $13,824 | 34% | 61.6 |
| #7 | Luzerne County Community College | Nanticoke, PA | Public | $9,000 | 23% | 60.9 |
| #8 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre | Dallas, PA | Public | $13,824 | 23% | 59.3 |
| #9 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York | York, PA | Public | $14,624 | 16% | 56.0 |
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Pennsylvania
Program Landscape
Pennsylvania ranks among the nation's top destinations for information systems education, with 65 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 29 public and 35 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Pennsylvania State, U of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Pennsylvania information systems programs earn a median salary of $92,506, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Comcast, SAP, Vanguard.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,716 to $64,418 annually, with an average of $28,325/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 84%, with the highest reaching 100%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Pennsylvania's leading technology employers. For students seeking information systems degrees in Pennsylvania, these top-ranked information systems schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Show all 39 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | Slippery Rock, PA | Public | $7,716 | 66% | 80.6 |
| #7 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private nonprofit | $53,208 | 80% | 78.6 |
| #8 | Chatham University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private nonprofit | $43,518 | 63% | 78.4 |
| #9 | Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA | Private nonprofit | $25,288 | 74% | 78.4 |
| #10 | Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | Private nonprofit | $46,175 | 69% | 77.9 |
| #11 | York College of Pennsylvania | York, PA | Private nonprofit | $23,000 | 64% | 77.7 |
| #12 | Seton Hill University | Greensburg, PA | Private nonprofit | $42,294 | 67% | 75.3 |
| #13 | Immaculata University | Immaculata, PA | Private nonprofit | $28,130 | 71% | 75.2 |
| #14 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township, PA | Private nonprofit | $34,360 | 66% | 73.9 |
| #15 | Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | Shippensburg, PA | Public | $9,570 | 56% | 73.0 |
| #16 | Thiel College | Greenville, PA | Private nonprofit | $36,364 | 49% | 69.9 |
| #17 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,356 | 34% | 69.4 |
| #18 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus | Indiana, PA | Public | $7,716 | 56% | 69.0 |
| #19 | Albright College | Reading, PA | Private nonprofit | $27,836 | 51% | 68.8 |
| #20 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | Johnstown, PA | Public | $13,660 | 56% | 67.9 |
| #21 | Pennsylvania Western University | California, PA | Public | $7,716 | 52% | 67.6 |
| #22 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Erie, PA | Public | $15,388 | 44% | 66.1 |
| #23 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown, PA | Public | $15,388 | 26% | 62.8 |
| #24 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton | Dunmore, PA | Public | $14,624 | 39% | 61.6 |
| #25 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | Abington, PA | Public | $14,684 | 20% | 61.6 |
| #26 | Strayer University-Pennsylvania | Trevose, PA | Private for-profit | $13,725 | — | 61.6 |
| #27 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | Reading, PA | Public | $15,388 | 32% | 61.3 |
| #28 | University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | Greensburg, PA | Public | $13,660 | 40% | 61.0 |
| #29 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington | New Kensington, PA | Public | $13,824 | 28% | 60.5 |
| #30 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley | Center Valley, PA | Public | $14,624 | 18% | 60.4 |
| #31 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre | Dallas, PA | Public | $13,824 | 23% | 60.3 |
| #32 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine | Media, PA | Public | $14,624 | 26% | 60.2 |
| #33 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton | Hazleton, PA | Public | $14,624 | 26% | 60.0 |
| #34 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver | Monaca, PA | Public | $13,824 | 22% | 59.9 |
| #35 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto | Mont Alto, PA | Public | $13,824 | 34% | 59.3 |
| #36 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny | McKeesport, PA | Public | $13,824 | 19% | 58.9 |
| #37 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois | DuBois, PA | Public | $13,824 | 34% | 58.5 |
| #38 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York | York, PA | Public | $14,624 | 16% | 58.1 |
| #39 | Peirce College | Philadelphia, PA | Private nonprofit | $14,400 | 10% | 52.7 |
Best Master's Information Systems Programs in Pennsylvania
Program Landscape
Pennsylvania offers 26 master's degree programs in information systems, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Carnegie Mellon, U of Pennsylvania, U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $108,830, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Comcast, SAP, Vanguard actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $36,179/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Pennsylvania's information systems schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | DeSales University | Center Valley, PA | Private nonprofit | $45,000 | 72% | 71.2 |
| #7 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township, PA | Private nonprofit | $34,360 | 66% | 68.4 |
| #8 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,356 | 34% | 63.0 |
| #9 | Point Park University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private nonprofit | $37,650 | 59% | 61.5 |
| #10 | Strayer University-Pennsylvania | Trevose, PA | Private for-profit | $13,725 | — | 61.3 |
| #11 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown, PA | Public | $15,388 | 26% | 58.7 |
| #12 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Great Valley | Malvern, PA | Public | — | — | 56.5 |
Best Doctoral Information Systems Programs in Pennsylvania
Program Landscape
Pennsylvania is home to 6 doctoral programs in information systems, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Carnegie Mellon, Pennsylvania State, Drexel are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Pennsylvania PhD holders earning a median of $136,038, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Comcast, SAP, Vanguard.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Pennsylvania programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing information systems degrees in Pennsylvania, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Robert Morris University
Information Systems Degree Costs & Tuition in Pennsylvania
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $27,476/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $68,690/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,869/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $164,856 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $41,214 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Systems Students in Pennsylvania
State Aid Programs
Pennsylvania offers substantial financial aid. The Pennsylvania State Grant provides up to $5,260 annually (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship offers $5,000/year for high-demand fields. Carnegie Mellon meets 100% of demonstrated need. Business school scholarships at Temple, Drexel, and Penn State reduce costs for qualified students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Employer tuition reimbursement at financial services firms (PNC, Vanguard) and healthcare systems covers $5,000-$15,000 annually. Find options in our affordable IS programs guide.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator, Pennsylvania
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems degree in Pennsylvania. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information systems degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$118,182
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Information Systems Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Pennsylvania metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $120K |
| Pittsburgh | $114K |
| Harrisburg | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Systems Graduates in Pennsylvania
Find information systems jobs in Pennsylvania. These major employers across Pennsylvania metro areas are actively hiring information systems degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Systems Jobs in Philadelphia
PAPhiladelphia has a strong fintech and pharma tech presence, anchored by Comcast and Vanguard.
Nearby cities: King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Malvern, Wayne
Information Systems Jobs in Pittsburgh
PAPittsburgh is a robotics and AI hub, with CMU research spinning off major autonomous vehicle and AI companies.
Nearby cities: Oakland, Shadyside, Strip District, Squirrel Hill
Pennsylvania Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Pennsylvania's tech market is split between Philadelphia (financial services, healthcare-IT, Comcast's media-tech footprint) and Pittsburgh (Carnegie Mellon-anchored robotics, AI/ML research, and autonomous vehicle engineering). The state's mid-Atlantic location, lower cost of living vs NY/NJ, and CMU's pipeline make it one of the strongest second-tier tech hubs in the US.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh metro
Carnegie Mellon University drives one of the most research-active tech ecosystems in the country. Anchor employers: Google's Pittsburgh AI lab, Aurora Innovation (autonomous trucking), Duolingo HQ, Aurora Innovation. Strong robotics, AI/ML, and autonomous-systems engineering market.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia-Camden metro
Comcast HQ anchors a deep media-tech and telecom-engineering market. Vanguard, Independence Blue Cross, and a substantial healthcare-IT cluster (UPenn Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia tech) round out the employer base.
Harrisburg / Capital Region
Harrisburg metro
State government IT, defense contractors near Carlisle Barracks, and a growing data-center cluster. Smaller market but accessible cost of living.
Pennsylvania levies a flat state income tax (3.07%). PA-TIP (Targeted Industry Program) provides forgivable loans for STEM students who work in PA after graduation.
Pennsylvania Regulation Affecting Information Systems Graduates
Pennsylvania has not passed a comprehensive consumer privacy law on the scale of CCPA or VCDPA, but the state's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act and recent legislative activity on AI and biometric data shape the engineering compliance landscape for any company serving PA residents.
Pennsylvania Breach of Personal Information Notification Act
Requires businesses to notify PA residents of data breaches involving personal information; recently amended (Act 151 of 2022) to expand definitions and tighten timelines.
Engineers building data-handling systems for PA-resident-serving businesses must implement breach detection, logging, and notification workflows.
Read morePennsylvania consumer privacy legislation (proposed)
Multiple bills have been introduced (HB 1201, HB 708) to create comprehensive consumer privacy rights similar to CCPA/VCDPA; none has passed as of 2026.
Engineers should watch this space — PA passing comprehensive privacy would add to the patchwork of state laws governing consumer data work.
Read morePennsylvania Computer Crimes Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 7611 et seq.)
State-level computer fraud and unauthorized access statute, parallel to federal CFAA. Establishes Pennsylvania jurisdiction over cyber offenses.
Relevant for cybersecurity professionals working in incident response, ethical hacking, or security research within PA.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. Standard engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil) require ABET-EAC accreditation for PE eligibility, but software engineering is not a recognized PE discipline in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania licensing boardPennsylvania Financial Aid Programs
PA State Grant Program (PHEAA)
State grantUp to $5,750/yr
PA residents with financial need at approved PA institutions or some out-of-state schools
Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)
Forgivable loan / STEM grantUp to $5,750/yr
PA students enrolled in approved STEM programs (CS, engineering, healthcare tech, advanced manufacturing) who commit to PA employment after graduation
Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship
State merit-need scholarshipUp to $2,000/yr
PA residents with family income up to $110,000 and academic achievement
Chafee Education and Training Grant
State grantUp to $5,000/yr
Current/former PA foster youth pursuing post-secondary education or training
Transfer Pathways for Information Systems Degrees in Pennsylvania
State Transfer System
Pennsylvania's PA TRAC system enables transfer from community colleges to four-year IS programs (PA TRAC). Students can complete business and computing foundations at $150-200 per credit before transferring. Penn State's 2+2 program allows transition from Commonwealth Campuses to University Park's IST or Smeal programs.
How Transfers Work
Temple University maintains articulation agreements with regional community colleges. Maintain GPA of 3.0+ for competitive transfer to business school IS programs. Explore pathways in our IS value programs guide.
Information Systems Job Growth in Pennsylvania
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Information Systems Job Market & Salary Data in Pennsylvania
Employment Outlook
Pennsylvania's information systems job market offers competitive compensation across business-technology roles. MIS professionals earn approximately $75,803 statewide, with Philadelphia offering 11.9% above average at roughly $84,796 (ZipRecruiter). Financial Systems Analysts earn $86,200-$116,800, with Philadelphia positions approximately 0.7% above state averages. Financial services roles command premium compensation, averaging $95,735 statewide.
Salaries by Metro
Major employers include PNC Financial Services Group (Pittsburgh headquarters), F.N.B. Corporation, and Vanguard (Malvern). Financial analysts in Philadelphia earn $85,377-$131,839 with top sectors including Aerospace & Defense ($101,681 median), Pharmaceuticals ($100,042), and Financial Services ($96,973). Healthcare systems employ IS professionals at competitive rates for clinical systems implementation. See compensation expectations in our information systems salary guide.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Systems Programs in Pennsylvania
Online Programs
23 available in Pennsylvania
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Systems Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 110
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,700
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 41
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 56
- Median Tuition
- $11,200
- Total Programs
- 133
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Information Systems Degree Programs in Pennsylvania: FAQ
What are the best information systems degree programs in Pennsylvania?
How much do information systems degree programs cost in Pennsylvania?
What salary can information systems degree graduates earn in Pennsylvania?
Are there online information systems degree programs in Pennsylvania?
What companies hire information systems degree graduates in Pennsylvania?
Is an information systems degree program worth it in Pennsylvania?
How long do information systems degree programs take in Pennsylvania?
What financial aid is available for information systems degree students in Pennsylvania?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Pennsylvania salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.