What colleges in Pennsylvania have the highest graduation rate?

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

April 24, 2025

A panoramic shot of Villanova University. Alertjean at en.wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the quest for academic excellence remains challenging for students all across the globe. In Pennsylvania, a state known for its rich educational background, certain colleges and universities stand out for their impressive graduation rates. These schools have demonstrated a commitment to student success, providing the resources, support systems, and innovative programs that empower graduates to thrive in a competitive work world. These institutions have created environments where students not only enroll but also succeed academically, gaining the skills and confidence needed to complete their degrees. Such achievements show the dedication to student support and student success that seperate these schools on the national stage.

5. Lehigh University (81%)

Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pa., is a private school known for its strong engineering and business programs. Founded in 1865, Lehigh has a rich history and innovative education, combining elite academic programs with a focus on learning. The university’s campus is home to a diverse student body, fostering a vibrant community. Lehigh has achieved an impressive graduation rate, consistently sitting around 80%, reflecting its dedication to student success and support. This statistic highlights the university’s effective resources and initiatives aimed at helping students thrive academically and professionally.

4. Haverford College (82%)

Located in Haverford, Pa., Haverford College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its commitment to a collaborative, community-oriented approach to education. With a strong emphasis on academic integrity and leadership, Haverford has created an environment where students are encouraged to engage in their education and campus life. Haverford boasts an impressive graduation rate of approximately 82%, reflecting its effective support systems and the success of its students in completing their degrees on time. This statistic highlights the institution’s drive to help students achieve their educational goals.

3. Bucknell University (82%)

Keeping on the trend of liberal arts schools, Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education. Founded in 1846, Bucknell offers a range of programs across art, science, and engineering. The university boasts a colorful campus and community that encourages students to engage in both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. With a graduation rate equal to Haverford’s, Bucknell stands out for its effectiveness in supporting students throughout their educational journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in their future endeavors.

2. University of Pennsylvania (88%)

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is an Ivy League school that has established itself as a leader in research and education. Founded in 1740, the school offers a selection of programs across various areas, including finance, law, and medicine. The university prides itself on its inclusive community, encouraging collaboration and innovation among its students. With an impressive graduation rate of approximately 88%, the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates a strong track record of supporting student success and preparing graduates for impactful careers in their chosen fields.

1. Villanova University (90%)

Villanova University, located just outside Philadelphia, is a prestigious Catholic school that was founded in 1842. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs such as business, engineering, and nursing. Villanova boasts an impressive graduation rate of approximately 90%, reflecting its dedication to student success and the effectiveness of its comprehensive support services across Pennsylvania. This high rate is a testament to the university’s focus on taking care of students both academically and personally, preparing them for successful careers and meaningful lives post-graduation.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer