Best Online Education Programs in Erie, PA (2026)
Erie, Pennsylvania has a population of about 94,156. The city’s median household income is $43,397 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 22.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Erie, with tuition ranging from $10,791 to $20,028 per year. In the Erie, PA metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $96,150 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Erie
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Erie city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercyhurst University | Erie, PA | 1.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown, OH | 75.8 mi | $10,791 - $20,028 | – |
| SUNY Buffalo State University | Buffalo, NY | 82.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Canisius University | Buffalo, NY | 83.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Niagara University | Niagara University, NY | 88.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Pennsylvania schools on the Pennsylvania education page.
Education Wages Near Erie
Erie is part of the Erie, PA metro area (BLS area code 21500). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Pennsylvania statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $73,110 | Erie, PA | $80,341 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,290 | Erie, PA | $68,451 |
| Middle School Teacher | $61,090 | Erie, PA | $67,132 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $59,130 | Erie, PA | $64,978 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $93,620 | Erie, PA | $102,879 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $96,150 | Erie, PA | $105,659 |
| Tutor | $32,420 | Erie, PA | $35,626 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $56,070 | Erie, PA | $61,615 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Erie at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,156 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $43,397 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 22.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Erie County | 2,969 workers, 76 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Erie-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Meadville, PA – 32.6 mi away (23,131 pop)
- Ashtabula, OH – 40.7 mi away (28,097 pop)
- Jamestown, NY – 42.9 mi away (41,492 pop)
- Dunkirk, NY – 45.4 mi away (24,248 pop)
- Mentor, OH – 71.3 mi away (46,732 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Erie, PA?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Erie. The closest is Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA (1.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Niagara University (88.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Erie?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Erie are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($96,150), Education Administrator, K-12 ($93,620), Secondary School Teacher ($73,110). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Pennsylvania statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Meadville instead of Erie?
Meadville, PA is 32.6 miles from Erie and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Erie an affordable place to study education?
Erie’s median household income of $43,397 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Erie while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Pennsylvania public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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