Choosing Between Public Colleges in PA

Hey guys, I'm a PA resident and thinking of staying in-state for college. Does anyone have any advice or experiences they can share about the best public colleges in Pennsylvania? Anything about academics, student life, housing would help me decide.

Absolutely!

Let's discuss a couple of public institutions in Pennsylvania that stand out for specific reasons.

The University of Pittsburgh (commonly known as Pitt) is well-regarded for programs in Health and Medical sciences, thanks to its proximity to the UPMC hospital system. It's located in an urban setting, providing plenty of opportunities for internships, jobs, and city life experiences. As for housing, Pitt's residence halls have a reputation for being fairly accommodating, and there is also an array of off-campus housing options due to its location.

Another notable university is Pennsylvania State University, (Penn State). It is a large research school that offers strong academics in Engineering and Business. Penn State also has a renowned college athletics program and boasts vibrant student life on its main campus in State College. On-campus housing would provide you an intimate community with other students and the proximity to classrooms and resources. There's also an abundance of off-campus housing options including private residences, apartments, and townhouses.

Lastly, Temple University located in Philadelphia, provides strong programs in Business, Education, and Media & Communication. Temple students have access to a lively, urban campus featuring diverse food spots, arts venues, and other big-city amenities. Temple offers a range of on-campus living options, from traditional dormitory style housing to apartment-style-living.

Now, "the best" can be subjective and greatly depends on what you're looking for in your college experience. Factors such as the size of the student body, urban or rural setting, specific academic programs, undergraduate research opportunities, extracurricular activities, athletic programs can all play a part in deciding the best-fit school. Consider visiting the campuses if you have the chance, as this can give you a feel for the unique culture each one has to offer.