Schools in Pennsylvania: the Keystone State Is Key to Education

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, located in the nation's mid-Atlantic region, provides easy access to major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Boston, and Washington DC. Much of Pennsylvania is rural although its major cities--Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie, and the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro areas--are manufacturing centers. A leader in the production of iron and steel, Pennsylvania's other major industries are mining and agriculture.

According to the Pennsylvania Workforce Development, medical professions pay the highest salaries in the state with management and computer- and finance-related careers close behind. During 2009, mean annual earnings for all occupations in Pennsylvania were $42,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Attending Colleges in Pennsylvania

There are a number of reasons to attend online schools and colleges in Pennsylvania. The state is home to 25 Fortune 500 companies from U.S. Steel to AmerisourceBergen, a pharmaceutical services company, which could provide excellent internship possibilities. In recent years, Pennsylvania has experienced the most growth in the education and health services and professional, scientific, and technical services industries. Economic gains have also been made in arts, entertainment, and recreation.

And for those hours outside school, the Keystone state offers a variety of outdoor activities; professional sports teams in basketball, baseball, football, and hockey; a rich cultural experience; and a wealth of important American historical sites.

If you're looking for information on what kind of financial aid is available to attend online and campus schools in Pennsylvania and how to apply, go to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency website.