Pennsylvania, officially known as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies and played a central role in the founding of the nation.
- Capital: Harrisburg
- Largest city: Philadelphia
- State Abbreviation: PA
- Nickname: The Keystone State
- Population: ~12.9 million (2024 est.)
- Admission to Union: December 12, 1787 (2nd state)
- Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone
Geography
Pennsylvania is bordered by:
- New York (north)
- New Jersey (east)
- Delaware (southeast)
- Maryland (south)
- West Virginia (southwest)
- Ohio (west)
- Lake Erie and Canada (northwest)
The state has varied geography:
- Appalachian Mountains run through it.
- Fertile agricultural valleys and major rivers like the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Ohio.
- Access to the Great Lakes via Lake Erie.
Climate
Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate:
- Summers: Warm to hot
- Winters: Cold, snowy (especially in the mountains and northwest)
- Rainfall: Well-distributed throughout the year
Top Universities in Pennsylvania
1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – Philadelphia
- Type: Private, Ivy League
- Founded: 1740 (by Benjamin Franklin)
- Specialties: Business (Wharton), Medicine, Law, Engineering
- World Rank: Top 20 globally
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) – Pittsburgh
- Type: Private
- Founded: 1900
- Specialties: Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, Fine Arts, Business
- World Rank: Top 50 globally
3. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) – University Park (Main Campus)
- Type: Public
- Founded: 1855
- Specialties: Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Meteorology, Education
- Notable Campus: University Park (flagship)
4. University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) – Pittsburgh
- Type: Public
- Founded: 1787
- Specialties: Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, Philosophy
- Affiliated: With UPMC (top medical center)
5. Lehigh University – Bethlehem
- Type: Private
- Founded: 1865
- Specialties: Engineering, Business, Sciences, Arts
- Strong Industry Links: Especially in STEM
6. Temple University – Philadelphia
- Type: Public
- Founded: 1884
- Specialties: Law, Medicine, Business, Communications, Education
- Large urban campus
7. Drexel University – Philadelphia
- Type: Private
- Founded: 1891
- Specialties: Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Co-op Education
- Noted For: Hands-on learning via co-op programs
8. Villanova University – Villanova (near Philadelphia)
- Type: Private, Catholic
- Founded: 1842
- Specialties: Business, Law, Engineering, Liberal Arts
- Noted: Augustinian values and strong alumni network
9. Swarthmore College – Swarthmore
- Type: Private Liberal Arts College
- Founded: 1864
- Specialties: Liberal arts, sciences, social sciences
- Highly selective and known for academic rigor
10. Haverford College – Haverford
- Type: Private Liberal Arts
- Founded: 1833
- Specialties: Philosophy, Political Science, Sciences
- Close Partnership: With Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore
