Education is a fundamental right that everyone enjoys. However, this principle no longer applies to college education, which is a real shame. Most colleges and universities across the 50 states are preposterously expensive— the costly nature of education bars countless individuals from achieving their full potential. A college degree often opens the door to countless opportunities down the road. It certainly holds regarding 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. Pennsylvania has over 100 private schools and universities and many publicly supported colleges and institutes. The state supports two higher education systems: the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (which includes 14 community colleges and universities) and the Commonwealth System of Higher Education (which provides for four higher education institutions).
In this article, we have compiled a couple of affordable higher education institutions in Pennsylvania for you to choose from. Read them carefully to learn more!
Affordable Schools in Pennsylvania for International Students
1. Harrisburg Area Community College
Established on February 14, 1964, Harrisburg Area Community College is Pennsylvania’s first community college, the state’s largest and oldest school. HACC offers prospective students various programs, including diplomas, certificates, and associate degree programs in the arts, science, and applied sciences. Since its founding, it has produced 48,170 graduates, many of whom have become notable and well-respected leaders in their fields.
As an affordable college in Pennsylvania, it upholds the core values of excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and integrity. The institution also looks to achieve greatness by consistently challenging its faculty and students to perform above expectations. With sights firmly set on the future, holding 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
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College seeks to provide its students with affordable opportunities to advance their prospects, knowledge, and skills. Its curriculum hones the student’s critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and information literacy. At the same time, students are taught the value of effective communication and skills-based training to be influential leaders in their fields. All of these services help them succeed in their work and their lives.
The college offers associate degrees in social sciences, education, business, computer science, liberal arts, and technical professional studies. Graduates of these programs receive the optimal level of academic and professional training necessary to improve not only their own lives but also those in their community. As lifelong learners, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduates can pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation or directly enter the job market.
Whichever option they choose, the knowledge they have acquired during their stay at this affordable Pennsylvania school will help prepare them on their journey towards a successful career of their choosing.
3. Northampton Community College
The following institution on our list of cheap colleges in Pennsylvania is Northampton Community College, which primarily serves residents of the Lehigh Valley area of 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 state’s most dynamic, diverse, and inclusive campuses.
Its 35,000-strong student body comprises students from different age, ethnic, and income groups enrolled in credit and non-credit programs. Currently, NCC offers certificates and degrees in more than 100 fields, all of which can be the gateway toward a successful career. With programs in architecture, culinary arts, accounting, chemistry, communication design, and so much more, it 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, the college has come a long way since its establishment in 1967. In the years following its founding, this humble community college has become one of the most prestigious institutions in the state.
4. Bucks County Community College
As a community of learners, Bucks County Community College fosters a culture of academic excellence and continuous improvement through collaboration, innovation, and creativity. The school focuses primarily on its students’ success by giving them the right skills. Moreover, it seeks to hone many students’ critical thinking skills by promoting open-minded, civil, and inclusive discourse.
As a cheap community college in Pennsylvania, Bucks allows students to earn a two-year associate degree or a certificate in their chosen field of study. 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. The latter, on the other hand, prepares students for entry-level positions in their chosen field.
5. Westmoreland County Community College
Our final candidate for the cheapest colleges in Pennsylvania is Westmoreland County Community College, which has undoubtedly 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. The school is home to at least 1,100 students across its eight campuses.
Furthermore, Westmoreland County Community College focuses on developmental courses designed to help its students succeed, regardless of their chosen track. Students can pursue an associate degree in the arts, applied sciences, fine arts, or the sciences. This Pennsylvania institution also has shorter diploma and certificate programs for additional workforce training.
In conclusion, there are many affordable institutions you can choose from in Pennsylvania, and the schools mentioned above are among the state’s most reasonably priced options for higher education. So, don’t forget to visit the links and look at their respective websites to see which educational institution best suits your needs.
We hope this article on the cheapest institutions in Pennsylvania was helpful! Make sure to also check out the Study in the USA Page and the Open Courses in the USA to learn more about the learning opportunities and many programs available for international students.
