Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
489 Information Technology graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Carnegie Mellon University
63 Information Technology graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
Lehigh University
48 Information Technology graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Penn State University Park ranks #1 in Pennsylvania with 85% graduation rate and comprehensive IT curriculum including cybersecurity focus
- 3.Drexel University offers premier co-op program with 6-month industry placements at major Philadelphia employers like Comcast and JPMorgan
- 4.Pennsylvania IT professionals earn median $89,450 annually—slightly above national median with strong growth in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Major tech employers include Comcast, SAP, Oracle, JPMorgan Chase, and growing fintech sector concentrated in Philadelphia region
Information Technology Education Landscape in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a robust selection of information technology programs, spanning from world-class research universities to practical, industry-focused institutions. The state's IT education benefits from proximity to major tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, providing students with exceptional internship and career opportunities in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging fintech sectors.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students seeking cost-effective options should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive IT career salary guides for Pennsylvania-specific compensation and growth data.
Pennsylvania's unique advantage lies in its diverse industrial base, from Philadelphia's financial services sector to Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem. Students benefit from partnerships with major employers like Comcast, SAP America, and the region's expanding fintech companies, creating direct pathways from classroom to career.
Pennsylvania Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 84.9 |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 69.8 |
| 3 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $61,180 | 81% | — | 60.2 |
| 4 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 60 |
| 5 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | Private | $63,806 | — | — | 51 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $15,204 | 56% | — | 48.2 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine | Media, PA | Public | $14,624 | 97% | — | 46.5 |
| 8 | Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | Private | $55,322 | 87% | — | 46.3 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown, PA | Public | $15,388 | 79% | — | 45.5 |
| 10 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | Slippery Rock, PA | Public | $7,716 | — | — | 45.2 |
| 11 | Peirce College | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $14,400 | — | — | 45.2 |
| 12 | Thiel College | Greenville, PA | Private | $34,964 | 85% | — | 45.1 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley | Center Valley, PA | Public | $14,624 | 86% | — | 44.7 |
| 14 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private | $51,534 | 88% | — | 44.3 |
| 15 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | Public | $21,023 | — | — | 43.7 |
| 16 | Mount Aloysius College | Cresson, PA | Private | $26,147 | 81% | — | 43.7 |
| 17 | Strayer University-Pennsylvania | Trevose, PA | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | — | 43.6 |
| 18 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $47,146 | — | — | 42.7 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny | McKeesport, PA | Public | $13,824 | 93% | — | 42.6 |
| 20 | Elizabethtown College | Elizabethtown, PA | Private | $36,166 | 78% | — | 42.3 |
Showing 1–20 of 50
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side
| School | Carnegie Mellon | U of Pennsylvania | Penn State | Swarthmore College | Haverford College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $62,260 | $58,620 | $19,672 | $61,992 | $67,522 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 100% | 87% | 94% | 94% |
| Annual Graduates | 847 | 596 | 871 | 73 | 36 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 6% | 54% | 7% | 13% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 96.4/100 | 92.1/100 | 84.9/100 | 70.6/100 | 62.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers 80 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $76,181 in the Pennsylvania market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Penn State | $19,672 | 87% | 871 | 84.9 |
| #2 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 177 | 78.2 |
| #3 Swarthmore College | $61,992 | 94% | 73 | 70.6 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania
For graduate study, Pennsylvania offers 19 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Pennsylvania reaching $141,479 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 847 | 96.4 |
| #2 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 596 | 92.1 |
| #3 U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | $20,154 | 88% | 97 | 61.6 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Pennsylvania
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Pennsylvania are at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Cheyney University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Pennsylvania's competitive tech salaries.
At West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,864 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $76,181, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Chester University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Cheyney University of... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Slippery Rock University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
Pennsylvania University Systems Overview
Pennsylvania's IT education landscape is anchored by several key university systems, each offering distinct advantages for information technology students.
Penn State System dominates public IT education, with the flagship University Park campus offering the most comprehensive program. Penn State Harrisburg provides a strong alternative for central Pennsylvania students, while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum standards. The system's strength lies in its extensive alumni network and strong industry partnerships across the state.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities like West Chester, Shippensburg, and Millersville offer affordable IT programs with smaller class sizes. These programs focus on practical, career-ready skills and often have strong regional employer connections.
Private Universities including Drexel, Carnegie Mellon, and Villanova offer premium IT education with extensive resources, small class sizes, and prestigious alumni networks. These programs command higher tuition but often provide superior career outcomes and industry connections.
For students interested in related technology fields, Pennsylvania also offers excellent computer science programs, cybersecurity programs, and software engineering programs across these same university systems.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 847 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 96.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 847 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (847 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,620 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 596 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 92.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 596 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 92.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (596 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,672 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 871 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 84.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 871 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (871 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn State's Information Sciences and Technology program offers a 100% online bachelor's degree that is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, focusing on creating innovative systems and technology solutions across industries. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and real-world skills for incorporating information technology into different systems to improve performance.
Admission Prerequisites
- •IST 110
- •IST 140 (or equivalent CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121)
- •IST 210
- •IST 220
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 125 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 70.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 73 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Haverford College
Haverford, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $67,522 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 13%
- • Ranking Score: 62.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 36 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (13% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Haverford offers accelerated master's programs with University of Pennsylvania where students can earn both a Bachelor's from Haverford and Master's in Engineering from Penn. The program includes multiple IT specializations like Computer and Information Science, Data Science, and Robotics with access to Ivy League engineering courses.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Develop applications and systems for Pennsylvania's diverse industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing
Analyze complex data for Pennsylvania's banking, healthcare, and retail sectors concentrated in Philadelphia
Protect digital assets for Pennsylvania's financial services and government sectors
Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines for Pennsylvania's growing tech companies
IT Manager
Lead technology teams and strategy for Pennsylvania's major corporations and government agencies
Systems Administrator
Maintain and optimize IT infrastructure for Pennsylvania businesses and organizations
Other Tech Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
IT Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
Arizona
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech employers like Comcast, SAP, and growing Philadelphia fintech sector
- Affordable public education through Penn State system with strong industry connections
- Proximity to both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech markets for internships and careers
- Strong alumni networks in Mid-Atlantic region and established IT industry presence
- Balanced cost of living compared to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York
- Silicon Valley connections and venture capital access (consider California)
- Largest concentration of tech companies and highest salaries (consider California or Washington)
- Emerging tech hubs with rapid growth (consider Texas or North Carolina)
- Lower overall cost of living and no state income tax (consider Texas or Florida)
- Specific industry focuses like gaming or aerospace technology
Pennsylvania Information Technology Programs FAQ
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Pennsylvania Technology Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
IT salary data and employment statistics
State-specific employment projections and industry analysis
Source: BLS Pennsylvania 2024
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.