Cost of Penn State
| Total cost of attendance (per year) | $28,258 |
|---|
| Tuition and fees, in-state | $16,004 |
|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state | $27,254 |
|---|
| Housing and food (on campus) | $15,346 |
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| Books and supplies | $1,200 |
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| Average net price after aid | $19,570 |
|---|
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price / year |
|---|
| $0–30,000 | $13,445 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $12,569 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $13,617 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $20,472 |
| $110,001+ | $27,366 |
Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships (in-state students). Get your own estimate with Penn State's net price calculator ↗.
Majors and programs at Penn State
Earnings one year after graduation and median debt, by program. Click a program for details and comparisons.
Bachelor's degree programs (27)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 19 | $84,461 | $22,250 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 62 | $75,796 | $24,250 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 14 | $73,501 | $26,000 |
| Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians | 53 | $71,604 | $26,730 |
| Information Science/Studies | 33 | $68,240 | $23,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 47 | $64,480 | $25,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 6 | $62,246 | $25,000 |
| Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians | 1 | $61,604 | $20,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 17 | $54,818 | $24,140 |
| Business/Commerce | 94 | $52,236 | $23,873 |
| Chemistry | 1 | $48,918 | $23,182 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 1 | $47,319 | $21,500 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 32 | $47,090 | $26,182 |
| Political Science and Government | 1 | $46,124 | $23,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 19 | $45,444 | $22,488 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 37 | $44,879 | $26,000 |
| Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences | 1 | $41,859 | $25,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 25 | $41,573 | $24,180 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 24 | $40,786 | $23,601 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | 1 | $38,911 | $23,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | 25 | $38,413 | $23,375 |
| Biology | 41 | $38,378 | $23,250 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 46 | $38,359 | $25,526 |
| Psychology | 38 | $37,593 | $23,642 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | — | $36,889 | $25,250 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | 6 | — | — |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | 6 | — | — |
Certificate programs (5)
Associate's degree programs (5)
Graduate certificate programs (1)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language | 9 | — | — |
Similar colleges in Pennsylvania
| College | City | Net price / yr | Acceptance | Earnings |
|---|
| Lincoln University | Lincoln University | $13,517 | 66% | $53,919 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | Johnstown | $16,375 | 95% | $73,113 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | Altoona | $21,714 | 98% | $71,762 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | Shippensburg | $21,129 | 87% | $58,077 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | Greensburg | $17,075 | 95% | $73,113 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine | Media | $18,053 | 98% | $71,762 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | Abington | $14,429 | 97% | $71,762 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | East Stroudsburg | $21,084 | 92% | $59,893 |
All colleges in Pennsylvania →
Frequently asked questions
What is Penn State's acceptance rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks admits 99% of applicants. Admitted students average 1,174 on the SAT.
How much does Penn State cost per year?
The full cost of attendance is $28,258 a year (tuition and fees: $16,004 in-state, $27,254 out-of-state). After grants and scholarships the average student pays $19,570 a year, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $13,445.
How much do Penn State graduates earn?
Former students earn a median of $71,762 a year, 10 years after first enrolling — 37th of 113 similar colleges in Pennsylvania. The best-paid bachelor's program is computer and information sciences ($84,461 a year after graduation).
What is Penn State's graduation rate?
29% of full-time students graduate within six years, and 77% of first-year students return for a second year.