2026 Guide to Affordable Colleges Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Are you near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania looking for an affordable college or university? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy for you to find out about schools that offer affordable degrees near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Get detailed information about affordable colleges and universities including the average cost of tuition and fees for four-year public, private, nonprofit and for-profit schools. You'll also get a comparison on how schools within each category rank based on tuition cost. Ultimately, you'll see which schools are the best fit for your budget. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Tuition costs on this page reflect undergraduate rates as self-reported by each institution and may differ based on program of study.
How Much is College Tuition in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the average cost of in-state undergraduate degree tuition and fees at colleges and universities near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has been increasing over the past five years. In 2024, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for the 8 schools near Harrisburg was $29,888. That represents a 10% increase since 2020.
Number of Schools
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Best-Value College for Budget-Conscious Adults
Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1902, Franklin University has earned a reputation for affordability among busy adults who want a high-quality degree that doesn't break the bank. With competitive per credit hour tuition rates, online degree programs and the University's Tuition Guarantee, Franklin students can get ahead without falling behind in everything else.
Undergraduate Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Master's Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Doctoral Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Costs of 4-Year Private Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 94% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 71% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 81% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 62% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $9,577. That was unchanged from $9,577 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $12,060. That was a decrease of 33% from $16,080 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Franklin University, 53% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $5,160. Among undergraduate students, 34% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,783 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 44% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,855.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Franklin University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Lebanon Valley College is $50,320, which is lower than 17% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Lebanon Valley College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Lebanon Valley College is 53% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Lebanon Valley College is $50,320, which is lower than 11% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Lebanon Valley College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Lebanon Valley College is 101% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Lebanon Valley College was $50,320. That was an increase of 3% over $48,620 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Lebanon Valley College was $35,533. That was an increase of 7% over $33,135 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Lebanon Valley College, 93% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $32,765. Among undergraduate students, 22% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,748 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 69% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,345.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Lebanon Valley College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2024, 437 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 130 master's degrees, and 46 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,670
Completions By Degree
613
Est. Online Degree Availability
11%
Completions by Program Area
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is $23,900, which is lower than 66% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is 27% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is $23,900, which is lower than 43% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is 5% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was $23,900. That was unchanged from $23,900 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was $16,440. That was unchanged from $16,440 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 99% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $22,320. Among undergraduate students, 51% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,008 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 63% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,381.
Enrollment & Programs
Master's degree programs are the most popular at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2024, 732 master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 100 bachelor's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
650
Completions By Degree
841
Est. Online Degree Availability
62%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Messiah University is $40,640, which is lower than 30% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Messiah University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Messiah University is 23% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Messiah University is $40,640, which is lower than 19% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Messiah University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Messiah University is 62% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Messiah University was $40,640. That was an increase of 3% over $39,490 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Messiah University was $13,590. That was an increase of 3% over $13,230 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Messiah University, 95% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $26,414. Among undergraduate students, 17% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,724 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 58% of students, who, on average, borrowed $8,445.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Messiah University, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2024, 601 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 220 master's degrees, and 32 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,318
Completions By Degree
853
Est. Online Degree Availability
19%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Dickinson College is $63,450, which is lower than 5% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Dickinson College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where no programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Dickinson College is 93% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Dickinson College is $63,450, which is lower than 3% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Dickinson College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where no programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Dickinson College is 154% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Dickinson College was $63,450. That was an increase of 3% over $61,326 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Dickinson College was $3,750. That was unchanged from $3,750 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Dickinson College, 88% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $40,384. Among undergraduate students, 15% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,838 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 42% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,951.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Dickinson College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2024, 561 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,157
Completions By Degree
561
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Elizabethtown College is $36,842, which is lower than 40% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Elizabethtown College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Elizabethtown College is 12% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Elizabethtown College is $36,842, which is lower than 25% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Elizabethtown College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Elizabethtown College is 47% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Elizabethtown College was $36,842. That was an increase of 3% over $35,700 in 2023.
In 2024 graduate tuition and fees at Elizabethtown College was $36,166. That was an increase of 3% over $35,020 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Elizabethtown College, 94% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $19,576. Among undergraduate students, 19% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,740 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 67% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,763.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Elizabethtown College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2024, 411 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 11 associate degrees, 110 master's degrees, and 15 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,815
Completions By Degree
547
Est. Online Degree Availability
23%
Completions by Program Area
Costs of 4-Year Private For-Profit Colleges & Universities Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Central Penn College is $19,404, which is lower than 39% of all 4-year private for-profit schools in the United States.
Central Penn College is a 4-year private for-profit school serving blended students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Central Penn College is 7% more than the 4-year private for-profit national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Central Penn College is $19,404, which is lower than 49% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Central Penn College is a 4-year private for-profit school serving blended students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Central Penn College is 22% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Central Penn College was $19,404. That was unchanged from $19,404 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Central Penn College, 92% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $6,378. Among undergraduate students, 50% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,796 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 73% of students, who, on average, borrowed $7,468.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Central Penn College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2024, 125 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 83 associate degrees, 5 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
721
Completions By Degree
213
Est. Online Degree Availability
65%
Completions by Program Area
Costs of 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is $15,944, which is lower than 6% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is 53% more than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is $15,944, which is lower than 55% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where no programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is 36% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg was $15,944. That was unchanged from $15,904 in 2023.
In 2024 out-of-state undegraduate tuition and fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg was $26,668. That was an increase of 1% over $26,370 in 2023.
In 2024 in-state graduate tuition and fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg was $25,082. That was an increase of 1% over $24,800 in 2023.
In 2024 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg was $33,020. That was an increase of 2% over $32,344 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg, 70% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $10,114. Among undergraduate students, 28% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,029 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 45% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,497.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2024, 600 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 8 associate degrees, 149 master's degrees, and 13 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,154
Completions By Degree
770
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Costs of 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Including Community Colleges
$$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Harrisburg Area Community College is $8,918, which is lower than 7% of all 2-year public schools in the United States.
Harrisburg Area Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Harrisburg Area Community College is 86% more than the 2-year public national average.
According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Harrisburg Area Community College is $8,918, which is lower than 34% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Harrisburg Area Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Harrisburg Area Community College is 4% more than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2024 undergraduate tuition and fees at Harrisburg Area Community College was $8,918. That was an increase of 4% over $8,565 in 2023.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2024 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Harrisburg Area Community College, 41% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $5,653. Among undergraduate students, 35% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $5,168 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 33% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,824.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Harrisburg Area Community College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend part time. In 2024, 1,660 associate degrees were completed.
Undergraduate Enrollment
9,802
Completions By Degree
1,660
Est. Online Degree Availability
41%
Completions by Program Area
Tuition Costs by School Type Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
There are at least 8 schools serving Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Of those schools, 5 are 4-year private nonprofit schools, 0 are 4-year private for-profit schools, 0 are 4-year public schools, and 0 are 2-year public schools, based on information collected by the U.S. College Scorecard. Browse through the categories below to learn more about the cost of tuition and fees at each type of institution.
Number of Schools
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
2023-24 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 5 4-year private nonprofit institutions serving Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The average tuition among those schools in 2023-24 was $37,455, which represents a 3% increase from the previous year.