Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is the No. 1-ranked school in Pennsylvania, according to U.S. News & World Report's National University Rankings, and it is also number five in the national realm. As of 2011, there were less than 10,000 undergraduates attending the university. There are four schools that offer both undergraduate and graduate studies, including Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Science. There are an additional eight schools that offer only graduate studies. U of Penn also has more than 25 NCAA Division 1 sports that participate in the Ivy League.
Located in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is ranked second in Pennsylvania. Carnegie Mellon is a private school that was founded in 1900 and, in 2011, had an annual enrollment of 6,023. It is best known for its science and technology school, but has seven schools from which students can select a major. Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is the third top university in the state. It is a private school,which was founded in 1865, with an enrollment, in 2011, of 4,809 undergraduates. Four colleges within Lehigh offer numerous undergraduate and graduate majors. Lehigh has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. Lehigh competes in 25 NCAA Division 1 sports.
Pennsylvania State University at University Park is the fourth-ranked school in Pennsylvania. It is a public university and was founded in 1855 as an agricultural college. University Park is located in State College, Pennsylvania. As of 2011, 38,630 undergraduates were enrolled at Pennsylvania State University. The school competes in the Division 1 Big 10 Conference.
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is ranked fifth and is a publicly funded school. In 2011, the school had a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,031. The school has a highly ranked School of Medicine, School of Education and School of Engineering. University of Pittsburgh competes in NCAA Division 1 Big East athletics. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
Located in Philadelphia, Drexel University ranks number six in Pennsylvania. It is a private school that was founded in 1891. In 2011, there was a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,863. The school teaches a mix of in-class education and cooperative education. The students have the opportunity to complete one or more six-month co-ops at more than 1,200 employers worldwide. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1 at Drexel.
Situated in the city of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University is ranked seventh in Pennsylvania. Duquesne was founded in 1878 and is also a private Catholic university. In 2011, there was a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,791. The school offers degree programs in natural and environmental sciences, leadership, business, nursing, health sciences, pharmacy, law, education, music and the liberal arts. The school has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Temple University, ranked number eight, is a public university that was founded in 1888. It is located in Philadelphia and, as of 2011, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 27,047. The school offers a broad curriculum with more than 300 different academic programs. There is a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio at Temple.
Widener University, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, is ranked ninth. It was established in 1821 and is a privately funded school. As of 2011, there was an annual enrollment of 3,412. The school focus is on sciences and liberal arts as a foundation for all baccalaureate education. There is a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Immaculata University is the tenth-ranked college in Pennsylvania. It is a private school that was founded in 1920. The school is located in Immaculata, Pennsylvania, and, as of 2011, has an annual enrollment 3,071 students. Immaculata offers degrees in more than 60 academic programs. There is an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio at Immaculata.