Education is a basic right that everyone enjoys. However, it seems that this principle no longer applies to college education, which is a real shame. Most colleges and universities across the 50 states are preposterously expensive. Needless to say, the costly nature of education bars countless individuals from achieving their full potential.
A college degree often opens the door for countless opportunities down the road. This certainly holds true when it comes to one’s future career prospects and higher education goals. Luckily, there are still alternative options you can look into if you are truly serious about achieving social mobility. Presented here are a couple of affordable higher education institutions in the state of Pennsylvania.
Cheap Colleges in Pennsylvania
1. Harrisburg Area Community College
- In-State Tuition – $180 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition – $267 per credit hour
- International Tuition – $267 per credit hour
- Tuition Link
Established on Feb. 14, 1964, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), is the first community college in Pennsylvania. It is also the largest and oldest community college in the state. HACC offers a wide range of programs for prospective students, with Diplomas, Certificates, and Associate Degree programs in the Arts, Science, and Applied Sciences. Since its founding, HACC has produced 48,170 graduates, many of whom have gone on to become notable and well-respected leaders in their fields.
As an affordable college in Pennsylvania, HACC upholds the core values of excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and integrity. It looks to achieve greatness by consistently challenging its faculty and students to perform above expectations. With sights firmly set in the future, holding true to its pioneering spirit, the college challenges the status quo by striving to develop new approaches to education while also creating an environment based on empathy, collegiality, and diversity.
2. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- In-State Tuition – $209 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition – $320 per credit hour
- International Tuition – $320 per credit hour
- Tuition Link
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College seeks to provide its students with opportunities to advance their prospects, knowledge, and skills at an affordable price. Its curriculum focuses on honing the student’s critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and information literacy. At the same time, in order to be effective leaders in their fields, students are taught the value of effective communication and skills-based training. All of these services to help them succeed in their work and in their lives.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College currently offers Associate Degrees in the fields of Social Sciences, Education, Business, Computer Science, Liberal Arts, and Technical Professional Studies. Graduates of these programs are given the optimal level of academic and professional training necessary to improve not only their own lives but those in their community as well.
As lifelong learners, graduates of this cheap college in Pennsylvania have the option to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree after graduation or to directly enter into the job market. Whichever option they choose, the knowledge they have acquired during their stay in Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will help prepare them on their journey towards a successful career of their choosing.
3. Northampton Community College
- In-State Tuition – $214 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition – $321 per credit hour
- International Tuition – $321 per credit hour
- Tuition Link
The next institution in our list of cheap colleges in Pennsylvania is Northampton Community College (NCC), which primarily serves residents of the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania. However, it also caters to out-of-state and international students looking to earn a degree or acquire additional workforce training. That said, NCC has one of the most dynamic, diverse, and inclusive campuses in the state. Its 35,000-strong student body is comprised of students coming from different age, ethnic, and income groups enrolled in credit and non-credit programs.
NCC currently offers certificates and degrees in no less than 100 different fields, all of which can serve as the gateway towards a successful career. With programs in the fields of architecture, culinary arts, accounting, chemistry, communication design and so much more, NCC has made it its mission to cater to everyone’s educational needs regardless of their interest and career path.
With two campuses and an online learning portal, NCC has gone a long way since its establishment in 1967. In the years following its founding, this humble community college has gone on to become one of the most prestigious institutions in the state.
4. Bucks County Community College
- In-State Tuition – $201 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition – $513 per credit hour
- International Tuition – $342 per credit hour
- Tuition Link
As a community of learners, Bucks County Community College fosters a culture of academic excellence and continuous improvement through collaboration, innovation, and creativity. It focuses primarily on the success of its students by giving them the right set of skills they need. Moreover, it seeks to hone the students’ critical thinking skills by promoting discourse that is open-minded, civil, and inclusive.
As a cheap community college in Pennsylvania, Bucks gives students the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree or a certificate in a field of study of their choosing. Associate Degrees in Bucks are divided into two distinct categories: transfer and occupational. The former parallels the design of four-year universities, thus allowing the student to pursue more advanced degrees down the road. The latter, on the other hand, prepares students for entry-level positions in their chosen field.
5. Westmoreland County Community College
- In-State Tuition – $133 per credit hour
- Out-of-State Tuition – $399 per credit hour
- International Tuition – $266 per credit hour
- Tuition Link
Our final candidate of cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania is Westmoreland County Community College, which has certainly grown since its establishment in 1967. While still primarily catering to the counties of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Indiana, it also hosts a diverse out-of-state and international student population. At present, the college is home to at least 1,100 students, spread out in its eight campuses.
Westmoreland focuses on Developmental Courses designed to help its students succeed, regardless of the track they choose. Students have the option to pursue an Associate Degree in the arts, applied sciences, fine arts, or the sciences. It also has shorter diploma and certificate programs for additional workforce training.
These are some of the more affordable educational institutions in the state of Pennsylvania. Be sure to click the links and check out their respective websites to see which institution suits your needs.
We hope that this article on the cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania was helpful! Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
