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Study in Pennsylvania
By Laura Tucker
Updated August 21, 2023 Updated August 21, 2023Pennsylvania, located in the northeast of the US in the Great Lakes region, is the sixth most populated US state, with a GDP equivalent to Indonesia’s.
Nicknamed the Keystone State for its proximity to numerous regions, Pennsylvania is bordered in the north by Lake Erie, across which lies Canada, and to the south by the Mason-Dixie line which traditionally marks the beginning of America’s southern regions. Also in the east lies the cultural capital of New York and, in the west, the states of Ohio and West Virginia.
Of the universities in Pennsylvania, seven are featured in the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings®, with one belonging to the prestigious Ivy League.
Top universities in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Based on the 2014 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the university is currently within the global top 20 for its offerings in medicine, psychology, linguistics, English language and literature, economics and accounting and finance.
Carnegie Mellon University
Asides from its main Pittsburgh location, Carnegie Mellon University has campuses in California’s Silicon Valley, New York’s financial district (the Tepper School of Business), Australia and Qatar, with plans to open a campus in Rwanda. The school has a strong presence in the FAME subjects (finance, accounting, management and economics), and ranks within the global top 20 for mathematics, material sciences, statistics and computer science (in which it ranks third in the world). The school is also well known for its research in the field of sustainable energy.
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh makes its strongest appearance in the 2014 QS World University Rankings by Subject in the field of philosophy, for which it’s ranked third in the world.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University is ranked within the world’s top 100 in a number of subject areas, including agriculture and forestry, Earth and marine sciences, geography and material sciences.
Other universities in Pennsylvania which feature in the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings include Drexel University (481-490 in the world), Lehigh University (551-600 in the world) and Temple University (551-600 in the world).
Top student cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Home of the Fresh Prince until his mum made him move away, Philadelphia is an urban hub less than 90 miles away from New York City. Although not quite competing with the glamour and international popularity of NYC, Philly is every bit as alive.
Developed in education and financial services, Philadelphia is one of the most affluent cities in the country, belonging to the sixth biggest metropolitan area. Those wishing to study in Pennsylvania within the fields of law or medicine are particularly spoilt for choice, with many of the universities in Philadelphia known within these areas.
The culture of the city is also truly appealing, with food, music and arts scenes continuing to burgeon and a nightlife that is student-oriented and never boring. Each of the city’s neighborhoods holds a distinct personality, some affluent and brimming with manicured gardens, some still holding on to blue-collar roots, and some serving as reminders of America’s past with well-preserved historic buildings and gothic architecture.
The city’s historic district, home to the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, holds an especially important place in US history, as this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. And in between the mixture of modern and historic buildings, the city also contains 10,334 acres of parkland within its limits.
See where Philadelphia ranks in the latest QS Best Student Cities index >
Pittsburgh
The state’s other major city is Pittsburgh, home to 2.4 million people. Formerly known as an industrial center during the 19th century, Pittsburgh has developed into a city dominated by financial services and the digital sector. Instead of the fumes of steel and coal factories, Pittsburgh now bears the title of one of the most “livable” areas in the country.
Sitting at the convergence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers which join to form the Ohio River, Pittsburgh is characterized by its waterways and hilled neighborhoods connected via an extensive number of pedestrian-friendly bridges.
Not only does the city boast a number of the state’s best museums and parks, it also can offer a vibrant selection of places to eat, drink and socialize. Many significant musicians have also come out of the city, and it has been named the “Best Sports City” in the country, thanks in part to the strong sports culture prevalent at many of the universities in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania: Fast facts
This article was originally published in September 2014 . It was last updated in August 2023
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Laura is a former staff writer for TopUniversities.com, providing advice and guidance for students on a range of topics helping them to choose where to study, get admitted and find funding and scholarships. A graduate of Queen Mary University of London, Laura also blogs about student life.
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