Best Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 23 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 923 recent graduates. Graduates in Pennsylvania earn $73,789 on average within two years — 8% above the national average of $68,283, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $160,116 while Seton Hill University graduates earn $55,547 — a $104,569 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in PA

$73,789

PA Avg. Earnings

$68,283

National Avg.

389

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (6)

$60,763

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (16)

$83,559

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $22,796 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$160,116

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $161,723

Graduates: 97

Acceptance: 11.4%

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$78,552

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $80,252

Graduates: 71

Acceptance: 29.3%

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$125,015

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $127,623

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 5.9%

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg, PA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 47.5%

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$75,330

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $72,421

Graduates: 98

Acceptance: 77.5%

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 86.4%

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$67,202

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,837

Graduates: 241

Acceptance: 95.9%

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$67,202

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,837

Graduates: 241

Acceptance: 49.7%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Erie, PA · Public

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $58,206

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 95.7%

#10

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $58,206

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 54.2%

#11

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Abington, PA · Public

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $58,206

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 92.0%

#12

York College of Pennsylvania

York, PA · Private

$54,644

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $59,394

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 94.2%

#13

University of Scranton

Scranton, PA · Private

Widener University

Chester, PA · Private

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Allegheny College

Meadville, PA · Private

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA · Public

$58,221

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $65,914

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 94.8%

#19

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private

Central Penn College

Summerdale, PA · For-Profit

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,625

Graduates: 48

Acceptance: 25.9%

#21

La Roche University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $55,947

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 77.6%

#22

Ursinus College

Collegeville, PA · Private

Seton Hill University

Greensburg, PA · Private

$55,547

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 75.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in Pennsylvania?

Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 for Computer Science in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $160,116 within two years of graduation. There are 23 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.

How much do Computer Science graduates earn in Pennsylvania?

Computer Science graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $73,789 within two years of graduation. This is 8% above the national average of $68,283 for this major.

What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania is the most selective Computer Science program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 68.3%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $83,559 vs $60,763 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 16 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $75,470 Industrial Engineering $72,008 Chemical Engineering $71,780 Business/Managerial Economics $71,719 Materials Engineering $71,420 Computer Engineering $71,107 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $71,033 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $67,419

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

Computer Science in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.