News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania has climbed to the 12th position in Niche’s ‘Best Colleges In America’ rankings, while Drexel University has plummeted from 99th to 203rd. Pennsylvania has seven schools in the top 100, with Carnegie Mellon University, Swarthmore College, and others also achieving A+ ratings. This annual report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of various educational institutions, influencing both student choices and educational debates.
Philadelphia
The University of Pennsylvania has significantly improved its standings, moving up three spots to claim the 12th position in the Niche “Best Colleges In America” rankings for 2026. In contrast, Drexel University witnessed a marked decline in its ranking, dropping from 99th to 203rd place.
Pennsylvania boasts a total of seven schools in the top 100 of these rankings, with the University of Pennsylvania leading the state at the 12th spot. Other top colleges in Pennsylvania include Carnegie Mellon University, Swarthmore College, Lehigh University, and Villanova University, all of which have also earned A+ ratings.
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) – A+, 6% acceptance, $26,017 net price, SAT range 1500-1570.
- Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) – A+, 11% acceptance, $32,964 net price, SAT range 1500-1570.
- Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA) – A+, 7% acceptance, $17,930 net price, SAT range 1460-1560.
- Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) – A+, 29% acceptance, $33,289 net price, SAT range 1350-1490.
- Villanova University (Villanova, PA) – A+, 25% acceptance, $37,946 net price, SAT range 1400-1510.
Additionally, Susquehanna University and Lycoming College have made their way into the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the 2026 rankings.
Niche’s rankings are based on multiple criteria, including data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, graduation rates, and over one million reviews from students and alumni. This annual report is highly regarded but often sparks debate within education circles regarding the validity and methodologies behind college rankings.
In the broader context of global education rankings, the University of Pennsylvania is also recognized for its high standing. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 “Best Global Universities” rankings, UPenn holds the 17th spot worldwide, making it the top-ranked institution in Pennsylvania. Other significant Pennsylvania colleges ranked globally include:
- University of Pittsburgh at 55th
- Pennsylvania State University at 94th
- Carnegie Mellon University at 128th
- Temple University at 363rd
- Drexel University at 495th
- Villanova University at 823rd
- Lehigh University at 995th
- Duquesne University at 1,898th
This disparity in rankings paints a complex picture of college standings within Pennsylvania, highlighting the strengths of prestigious institutions while illustrating the challenges faced by others, such as Drexel University.
As these rankings continue to shape the perceptions of institutions across the country, students, parents, and educators alike will closely examine the implications of these changes for prospective students looking to find the right fit for their academic and professional futures.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Best Colleges in Philly Ranking
- Wikipedia: University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Magazine: Drexel Best Colleges America Niche
- Google Search: Carnegie Mellon University
- South Philly Review: Philadelphia Colleges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swarthmore College
- Patch: Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
- Google Scholar: Lehigh University
- Visit Philly: University City
- Google News: Villanova University
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
