Best Universities in Erie, PA
Looking for universities in Erie? Below you'll find 10 local options with their address, phone number, website and opening hours, plus practical advice on choosing the right one.
What they do: Colleges and universities offering undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs.
This guide lists 10 universities in and around Erie, spread across 5 ZIP codes. 8 have a phone number you can call directly from this page, 6 link to their own website. Listings are organized so you can compare them at a glance and contact them directly.
Top 10 Universities in Erie
Listings are shown in no paid order: no business can pay to appear or to rank higher on this page.
1 Palumbo Academic Center
- Address Peach St, Erie, PA 16501
- Phone (814) 871-7000
- Website gannon.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
2 Mercyhurst College Corry
- Address 1720 Holland St, Erie, PA 16503
- Phone (814) 453-5744
3 Penn State Behrend
- Address 4701 College Dr, Erie, PA 16563
- Phone (814) 898-6000
- Website behrend.psu.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
4 Mercyhurst University
- Address 501 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16546
- Phone (814) 824-2000
- Website mercyhurst.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
5 Gannon University - Center for Business Ingenuity
- Address 900 State St, Erie, PA 16501
- Phone (814) 871-7000
- Website gannon.edu
Opening hours
| Mon | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Wed | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Thu | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Fri | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
6 GU: Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences
- Address 150 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16501
8 Erie County Community College, Erie-East
- Address 330 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16503
- Phone (814) 413-7000
- Website ec3pa.org
9 Mercyhurst College Corry
- Address 1720 Holland St, Erie, PA 16503
- Phone (814) 453-5744
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-4:30 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-2:30 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
10 Erie County Community College
- Address 2403 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505
- Phone (814) 413-7000
- Website ecccpa.org
Opening hours
| Mon | 8 AM-5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Wed | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Thu | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Fri | 8 AM-5 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
How to choose universities in Erie
- Check accreditation or state approval. Career schools in Pennsylvania are licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
- Ask about class sizes, schedules and whether evening or weekend options exist.
- Get the total cost in writing, including fees, books and supplies.
- Ask about completion and job-placement rates for career programs.
- Visit or sit in on a class before you enroll.
Local tips for Erie
Lake-effect snow means Erie homeowners and drivers rely heavily on snow removal, winter tires, roof maintenance and heating services, and many local businesses keep extended hours during storms.
Many Erie-area businesses are located in neighboring Millcreek Township, especially along Peach Street, so the best option for you may technically sit just outside city limits.
Erie is in Erie County, and local phone numbers use the 814 area code. Popular areas include Downtown, Bayfront, Little Italy, Frontier, Glenwood, Academy, East Erie, West Erie.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Erie do these universities cover?
The universities on this list are located in ZIP codes 16501, 16503, 16505, 16546, 16563. Many businesses also serve nearby neighborhoods and suburbs, so ask when you call.
How much do classes cost in Erie?
It depends on the program: community classes may cost a few hundred dollars, while certificate and career programs can cost several thousand. Ask about financial aid, payment plans and PA grants.
Is financial aid available?
Many accredited programs qualify for federal aid (FAFSA) and Pennsylvania's PHEAA state grants. Adult education and GED classes are often free.
How do I check that a school is legitimate?
Look it up with the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and check its accreditor on the US Department of Education's database.
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Information is collected from public sources and may change. Please confirm hours, prices and availability directly with each business. Business owner? Ask us to update your listing.