Pennsylvania’s Top 9 College Towns for 2024

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Thinking about heading to Pennsylvania for college? You’re in for an adventure! Pennsylvania’s top college towns are packed with brilliant people and the opportunities that come with them. Whether you’re a tenured professor looking for your forever home in Erie or an undergrad on the hunt for an affordable apartment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has a place for everyone.

Night time at Penn State in State College, PA

1. State College – Penn State University

Population: 40,745 | Student population: 88,116 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,295

Penn State University is famous for its top-rated engineering and business programs. Students rave about the hands-on learning and research opportunities. The college is also known for its strong computer science and nursing programs. Additionally, the agriculture program is highly respected, contributing to cutting-edge research in sustainable farming practices.

State College and Penn State are deeply intertwined. The college collaborates with local businesses for internships and job placements, ensuring students gain real-world experience. Their sports teams, especially football, bring the town together, creating a lively atmosphere on game days. Penn State’s THON event, the largest student-run philanthropy, raises millions for pediatric cancer and involves the entire community.

Apartments near Penn State University | Houses for rent near Penn State University

2. Bethlehem – Lehigh University

Population: 77,617 | Student population: 5,624 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,845

Lehigh University is known for its engineering and business programs. Students appreciate the rigorous curriculum and research facilities. Lehigh also has strong environmental science and mechanical engineering departments. The college’s integrated product development program is a standout, blending business and engineering education.

Bethlehem and Lehigh University work closely on community initiatives. The college partners with local industries for research and development, fostering economic growth. Their annual events, like the Lehigh-Lafayette football game, are a big deal in town. Lehigh’s South Side Initiative focuses on revitalizing the neighboring South Bethlehem area through collaborative projects.

Apartments near Lehigh University | Houses for rent near Lehigh University

Pittsburgh, PA skyline from a park near the Carnegie Mellon campus

3. Pittsburgh – Carnegie Mellon University

Population: 302,898 | Student population: 13,961 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,400

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is a top choice for tech and fine arts students. Their computer science and drama programs are highly rated. The college also excels in robotics and engineering. The Tepper School of Business is another highlight, known for its innovative approach to management education.

Pittsburgh benefits from Carnegie Mellon’s innovations and tech startups. The university collaborates with local companies and the city on various projects, including autonomous vehicle development. These partnerships create job opportunities and enhance the city’s tech scene. CMU’s community outreach includes programs like the CREATE Lab, which works on technology solutions for social issues.

Apartments near Carnegie Mellon University | Houses for rent near Carnegie Mellon University

4. Lewisburg – Bucknell University

Population: 5,331 | Student population: 3,925 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,445

Bucknell University offers top-notch programs in engineering, business, and the arts. Students love the personalized attention from professors. The college is also known for its strong biomedical engineering and music programs. Their environmental studies program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork and sustainability practices.

Lewisburg and Bucknell have a close relationship. The university supports local businesses and cultural events, boosting the town’s vibrancy. Their Small Business Development Center helps local entrepreneurs, benefiting the town’s economy. The university’s Coal Region Field Station collaborates on community-based environmental research projects.

Apartments near Bucknell University | Houses for rent near Bucknell University

Easton, PA skyline near the Lafayette College campus

5. Easton – Lafayette College

Population: 30,341 | Student population: 2,729 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,775

Lafayette College excels in engineering, economics, and international affairs. Students benefit from small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The college is also known for its strong government and law programs. Their neuroscience program is gaining recognition for its innovative research and interdisciplinary approach.

Easton thrives with Lafayette’s involvement. The college partners with local organizations on sustainability projects, like the Bushkill Creek restoration. Their community service programs are well-regarded, helping to strengthen town-gown relations. Lafayette’s Economic Empowerment and Global Learning Project supports local economic development and educational initiatives.

Apartments near Lafayette College | Houses for rent near Lafayette College

6. Carlisle – Dickinson College

Population: 22,203 | Student population: 2,125 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,425

Dickinson College is great for students interested in international studies, environmental science, and law. The college offers unique global education opportunities, including study abroad programs. Their programs in political science and international business are also popular. The college’s climate change studies are at the forefront of environmental research.

Carlisle and Dickinson College share a deep connection. The college’s sustainability initiatives, like the Center for Sustainability Education, benefit the town. Dickinson’s students often engage in local internships, enriching their educational experience. The college’s partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet supports the arts in the community.

Apartments near Dickinson College | Houses for rent near Dickinson College

A beautiful day in Scranton, Pennsylvania just off the Scranton University campus

7. Scranton – University of Scranton

Population: 75,848 | Student population: 6,034 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,262

The University of Scranton offers strong programs in business, health sciences, and liberal arts. Students value the college’s focus on hands-on learning. The nursing and occupational therapy programs are particularly noteworthy. Scranton’s Jesuit tradition emphasizes ethical leadership and community service.

So much more than the town from the American version of The Office, Scranton has a lot to offer students and professionals. The city benefits from the university’s active engagement. The college partners with local hospitals and businesses for internships, providing practical experience for students. Their community outreach programs, like the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, foster a strong bond with the town. The university’s Small Business Development Center aids local businesses and startups.

Apartments near University of Scranton | Houses for rent near University of Scranton

8. Villanova – Villanova University

Population: 8,900 | Student population: 10,383 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,398

Villanova University is famous for its business and law programs. Students appreciate the college’s commitment to academic excellence. The nursing and engineering programs are also highly regarded. Villanova’s Augustine and Culture Seminar program provides a unique foundation in liberal arts education.

Villanova and the surrounding community are closely linked. The university supports local schools and charities through initiatives like the Villanova Cares program. Their athletic events, especially basketball, bring excitement and unity to the town. Villanova’s partnership with Radnor Township includes collaborative community service projects and local economic development efforts.

Apartments near Villanova University | Houses for rent near Villanova University

Lighthouse in beautiful Erie, one of Pennsylvania's top college towns

9. Erie – Gannon University

Population: 93,511 | Student population: 4,665 | Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,192

Gannon University is known for its health sciences and engineering programs. Students praise the college’s practical approach to education. The business and computer science programs are also well-regarded. Gannon’s criminal justice program is gaining recognition for its comprehensive curriculum.

Erie and Gannon University collaborate on various community projects. The college’s involvement in local healthcare and tech industries is significant, with partnerships like the Erie Technology Incubator. Their events and initiatives, such as the annual Celebrate Gannon showcase, greatly contribute to the town’s vibrancy. Gannon’s Center for Business Ingenuity supports local economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship programs.

Apartments near Gannon University | Houses for rent near Gannon University

Methodology

College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 400,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.



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