Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

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Pennsylvania Liberal Arts At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Liberal Arts Salary$74,028
Salary OutlookPennsylvania offers competitive wages for liberal arts professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online liberal arts degree in Pennsylvania offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for liberal arts professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Pennsylvania students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Liberal Arts Schools in Pennsylvania

The following schools offer accredited online liberal arts programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Pennsylvania.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA BOC Score 83.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA BOC Score 80.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 12%
Graduation rate 93%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$66,246
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$66,246
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 35

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA BOC Score 78.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA BOC Score 62.5
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 61%
Graduation rate 86%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$20,644
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$41,790
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 28

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Liberal Arts professionals in Pennsylvania experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Public Relations Specialist$57,460
Management Analyst$93,830
Technical Writer$87,620
News Analyst, Reporter, or JournalistN/A
Editor$63,460
Training and Development Specialist$71,350
Human Resources Specialist$70,450

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Liberal Arts Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Pennsylvania offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Pennsylvania economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online liberal arts programs in Pennsylvania accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Pennsylvania, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Liberal Arts pay in Pennsylvania compare to other states?

Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for liberal arts professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Pennsylvania a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for liberal arts in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Pennsylvania. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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