GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College is among the fastest-growing colleges and universities in the Pittsburgh region by revenue and has recorded significant endowment growth over the past five years, according to two new rankings published by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
The Business Times ranked Thiel fourth among 28 colleges and universities in the region for five-year revenue growth. Thiel’s revenue increased 40.97% from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2024, rising from $25.2 million to $35.6 million. Only Grove City College, Washington & Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh ranked higher.
A separate Business Times analysis of college and university endowments ranked Thiel 11th among 28 regional institutions based on endowment assets relative to student enrollment. Thiel reported a $48.9 million endowment in 2024. The College carried the momentum of the past five fiscal years into 2026, growing its endowment to $66 million.
President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said the two measures reflect a period of sustained investment in the College and its students.
“These rankings provide an external measure of the progress we have made while remaining focused on what matters most—the education and experiences we provide our students,” Traverso said. “Thiel has invested in new academic programs, student success, facilities and opportunities that position our graduates for a rapidly changing world. At the same time, we have worked to strengthen the resources that will sustain that mission well into the future.”
The rankings come as Thiel has entered the public phase of Join the Journey, the largest fundraising campaign in College history. The $100 million campaign publicly launched during Homecoming 2026 with approximately $94 million already raised.
Join the Journey supports scholarships, academic programs, facilities, student experiences and other College priorities. More than 1,800 donors have made in excess of 5,000 gifts since the campaign began.
Vice President for College Advancement Roberta Leonard said the Business Times data provide important context for the campaign and is a demonstration of the confidence donors have in Thiel’s direction.
“Growth like this is built over time through the commitment of many people who believe in Thiel and in the value of the education we provide,” Leonard said. “A strong endowment gives the College resources that extend far beyond a single year, while philanthropic support allows us to invest in students and respond to new opportunities. As we move through the public phase of Join the Journey, these results demonstrate that our supporters are building on a strong foundation and helping create lasting momentum for Thiel.”
The Pittsburgh Business Times’ fastest-growing colleges and universities list ranks institutions by the percentage change in revenue from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2024. The publication reported that more than a dozen colleges in the region experienced revenue growth of more than 20% during the period; Thiel’s 40.97% increase placed it among the top four.
The Business Times defines the Pittsburgh region for the rankings as Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Crawford, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The publication said its data were obtained from sources including the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and National Center for Education Statistics, the National Association of College and University Business Officers and its own research.
“The College’s growing financial strength gives it capacity to serve students, pursue new ideas and make decisions with the future in mind,” Travers said. “Thiel’s Join the Journey campaign is an invitation to build on that progress together and ensure that the opportunities available to today’s students are even stronger for the generations that follow.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.