What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Pennsylvania
Before settling down to study in a new state, it’s important to consider the employment opportunities in the area. As of October 2021, these five industries employ the greatest number of Pennsylvanians: education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; goods-producing; professional and business services; and government. The top two industries employ over a million workers each.
For workers in Pennsylvania who have earned a bachelor’s degree, the top five fastest-growing careers in the state are information security analysts, medical and health services managers, software developers, operations research analysts, and actuaries. Many of these jobs are in competitive industries, so more qualified candidates have an edge over their peers.
To get an idea of specific career choices available to college graduates, here are some examples of Pennsylvania’s largest employers: Philadelphia International, Highmark Health, Vanguard Group Inc., Temple University, and many more.
What’s Next?
When researching colleges in Pennsylvania, it’s important to consider your financial aid options. The following list includes state and federal resources such as grants, scholarships, and loan programs available to undergraduate students in Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). PHEAA is a student aid organization offering a state grant program, low-cost student loans, and college planning resources.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every year the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office disburses more than $120 billion in financial aid. Students receive assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study jobs, and more. To check your eligibility, visit the FAFSA4caster, and to apply for aid, complete the online application.
- CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop provides a comprehensive selection of financial aid resources in each state. You can filter results according to degree type and college location. Listings include the award amount, deadline, contact information, and other details.