Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Pennsylvania State University
Flagship IT program with comprehensive curriculum and strong industry partnerships across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets
Drexel University
Premier co-op program with 6-month industry placements at Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, and local fintech companies
Carnegie Mellon University
World-renowned technology program with emphasis on IT management and systems integration in elite academic environment
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Penn State University Park ranks #1 in Pennsylvania with 85% graduation rate and comprehensive IT curriculum including cybersecurity focus
- 3.Drexel University offers premier co-op program with 6-month industry placements at major Philadelphia employers like Comcast and JPMorgan
- 4.Pennsylvania IT professionals earn median $89,450 annually—slightly above national median with strong growth in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Major tech employers include Comcast, SAP, Oracle, JPMorgan Chase, and growing fintech sector concentrated in Philadelphia region
Information Technology Education Landscape in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a robust selection of information technology programs, spanning from world-class research universities to practical, industry-focused institutions. The state's IT education benefits from proximity to major tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, providing students with exceptional internship and career opportunities in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging fintech sectors.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students seeking cost-effective options should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive IT career salary guides for Pennsylvania-specific compensation and growth data.
Pennsylvania's unique advantage lies in its diverse industrial base, from Philadelphia's financial services sector to Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem. Students benefit from partnerships with major employers like Comcast, SAP America, and the region's expanding fintech companies, creating direct pathways from classroom to career.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Pennsylvania May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and personalized attention metrics
Pennsylvania-specific IT salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Pennsylvania Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Public | $18,798 | 85% | 16:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | Private | $58,965 | 78% | 10:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Private | $61,344 | 90% | 13:1 | 90.5 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Private | $63,452 | 89% | 6:1 | 89.1 |
| 5 | Temple University | Philadelphia | Public | $17,742 | 73% | 14:1 | 86.7 |
| 6 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Public | $21,300 | 82% | 15:1 | 85.4 |
| 7 | Villanova University | Villanova | Private | $62,773 | 88% | 12:1 | 84.9 |
| 8 | Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown | Public | $15,562 | 69% | 12:1 | 82.3 |
| 9 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Private | $34,860 | 68% | 15:1 | 80.1 |
| 10 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia | Private | $51,560 | 84% | 11:1 | 79.8 |
| 11 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Private | $45,376 | 81% | 14:1 | 78.5 |
| 12 | West Chester University | West Chester | Public | $12,194 | 74% | 19:1 | 77.2 |
| 13 | La Salle University | Philadelphia | Private | $47,910 | 67% | 12:1 | 75.6 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport | Public | $18,990 | 58% | 16:1 | 74.3 |
| 15 | Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | Public | $12,716 | 64% | 18:1 | 72.8 |
| 16 | York College of Pennsylvania | York | Private | $20,950 | 72% | 15:1 | 71.9 |
| 17 | Millersville University | Millersville | Public | $12,716 | 68% | 19:1 | 70.4 |
| 18 | King's College | Wilkes-Barre | Private | $41,346 | 69% | 13:1 | 69.2 |
| 19 | Bloomsburg University | Bloomsburg | Public | $11,830 | 65% | 20:1 | 68.1 |
| 20 | Cabrini University | Radnor | Private | $34,600 | 63% | 14:1 | 66.8 |
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% graduation rate - highest among public IT programs in Pennsylvania
- • Average starting salary of $72,000 for IT graduates
- • Over 500 companies recruit on campus annually
- • Option to specialize in cybersecurity, data analytics, or enterprise systems
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive IT curriculum covering networks, databases, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
- Strong industry partnerships with major Pennsylvania employers like Comcast and SAP
- Excellent career services with 90%+ job placement rate within 6 months
- World-class research facilities and labs with latest enterprise technologies
Why Ranked #1
Penn State's IT program ranks #1 in Pennsylvania due to its comprehensive curriculum, excellent graduation rate (85%), and strong industry connections across both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech markets.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 100% of IT students complete at least one co-op placement
- • Average co-op salary of $22/hour with many leading to full-time offers
- • Strong alumni network in Philadelphia finance and tech sectors
- • State-of-the-art facilities in Philadelphia's University City district
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program with 6-month industry placements at Comcast, JPMorgan, and fintech companies
- Located in Philadelphia's tech corridor with direct access to major employers
- Strong focus on emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, and blockchain
- Small class sizes with 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
Why Ranked #2
Drexel's IT program stands out for its industry-leading co-op program, placing students in 6-month paid positions at top Philadelphia tech companies, creating exceptional real-world experience.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 90% graduation rate with highest academic standards in Pennsylvania
- • Average starting salary exceeds $85,000 for IS graduates
- • Alumni work at Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and top consulting firms
- • Access to cutting-edge research in AI, robotics, and human-computer interaction
Program Strengths
- Prestigious institution with global recognition in technology education
- Interdisciplinary approach combining technical skills with business strategy
- Excellent student-faculty ratio (13:1) with renowned research faculty
- Strong connections to Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem and Silicon Valley
Why Ranked #3
CMU's Information Systems program combines world-class technology education with business strategy, preparing graduates for leadership roles in IT management and consulting.
Pennsylvania University Systems Overview
Pennsylvania's IT education landscape is anchored by several key university systems, each offering distinct advantages for information technology students.
Penn State System dominates public IT education, with the flagship University Park campus offering the most comprehensive program. Penn State Harrisburg provides a strong alternative for central Pennsylvania students, while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum standards. The system's strength lies in its extensive alumni network and strong industry partnerships across the state.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities like West Chester, Shippensburg, and Millersville offer affordable IT programs with smaller class sizes. These programs focus on practical, career-ready skills and often have strong regional employer connections.
Private Universities including Drexel, Carnegie Mellon, and Villanova offer premium IT education with extensive resources, small class sizes, and prestigious alumni networks. These programs command higher tuition but often provide superior career outcomes and industry connections.
For students interested in related technology fields, Pennsylvania also offers excellent computer science programs, cybersecurity programs, and software engineering programs across these same university systems.
Career Paths
Develop applications and systems for Pennsylvania's diverse industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing
Analyze complex data for Pennsylvania's banking, healthcare, and retail sectors concentrated in Philadelphia
Protect digital assets for Pennsylvania's financial services and government sectors
Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines for Pennsylvania's growing tech companies
IT Manager
Lead technology teams and strategy for Pennsylvania's major corporations and government agencies
Systems Administrator
Maintain and optimize IT infrastructure for Pennsylvania businesses and organizations
Source: BLS Pennsylvania 2024
IT Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
Arizona
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $15,200 | $28,400 | $48,600 |
| Class Size | Medium (15-25) | Medium (15-25) | Small (10-15) |
| Industry Connections | Regional Strong | Regional Strong | National Elite |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Career Services | Standard | Standard | Premium |
| Alumni Network | Pennsylvania | Multi-State | National |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech employers like Comcast, SAP, and growing Philadelphia fintech sector
- Affordable public education through Penn State system with strong industry connections
- Proximity to both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tech markets for internships and careers
- Strong alumni networks in Mid-Atlantic region and established IT industry presence
- Balanced cost of living compared to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York
- Silicon Valley connections and venture capital access (consider California)
- Largest concentration of tech companies and highest salaries (consider California or Washington)
- Emerging tech hubs with rapid growth (consider Texas or North Carolina)
- Lower overall cost of living and no state income tax (consider Texas or Florida)
- Specific industry focuses like gaming or aerospace technology
Pennsylvania Information Technology Programs FAQ
Related Pennsylvania Technology Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
IT salary data and employment statistics
State-specific employment projections and industry analysis
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.