Central Penn College: 34.0% Acceptance Rate

34.0%Acceptance

$19,404Tuition

721Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,370Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Central Penn College

Central Penn College trains students for immediate career entry through hands-on programs in business, technology, and healthcare. The college enrolls 721 students in its suburban Summerdale campus, focusing on practical skills over theoretical study. With a 95.5% employment rate, graduates typically land jobs quickly after completing their programs. The quarter system allows students to move through coursework efficiently.

Students pay an average net price of $19,279 annually, with costs varying by family income. Lower-income families pay around $14,591 while higher earners face the full $28,251 cost. Graduates earn a median of $45,370 ten years after enrollment, carrying typical debt of $23,194 with monthly payments of $246. The return on investment varies depending on your chosen field and career goals.

The student body skews female at 66%, with nearly 90% coming from Pennsylvania. Only 36% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the career college model where some students transfer credits or leave early for employment. The small 8:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention. Central Penn offers seven varsity sports for its 104 student-athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. The 64% retention rate suggests some students find better fits elsewhere.

Academics & Faculty

Central Penn College specializes in career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school built its reputation around business, technology, and healthcare training that directly connects to employer needs. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, students receive hands-on attention in small classes. However, the 36% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their degrees on the quarter system. The college operates more like a professional training institute than a traditional university. Nearly 90% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community. The 95.5% employment rate shows the school delivers on its promise of job readiness after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 55.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 36.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.9%
Retention Rate: 64.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,370
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$46,673
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$36,560

View all 22 programs →

Campus Life

Central Penn College sits in Summerdale, about 15 minutes north of Harrisburg and an hour from Philadelphia. With only 321 housing spots for 721 students, about 45% live on campus in a tight-knit environment. The small suburban setting means you'll know your classmates well, especially with that 8:1 student-faculty ratio creating genuine mentorship opportunities.

Pennsylvania winters require a good coat, while summers are warm and humid. The quarter system keeps things moving fast, fitting Central Penn's career-focused mission. With 66% women and strong representation across racial lines, the campus reflects Pennsylvania's diversity. Nearly 90% of students are from in-state, creating a familiar, hometown atmosphere.

Weekends often center around the Knights' seven varsity sports teams, though with only 104 total athletes, most social life happens in dorms and local hangouts. The 95.5% employment rate speaks to students' serious career focus. Many spend free time in study groups or internships, knowing they'll graduate with $23,194 in median debt but solid job prospects earning around $45,370 within ten years.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 321 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1881

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–36°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.2"
Annual Snowfall: 23.9"

Student Demographics

Central Penn draws heavily from Pennsylvania, with nearly 90% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the college's strong local reputation for career training in the region. The student body is two-thirds women, which aligns with the school's focus on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, Central Penn serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking practical career preparation. The diverse enrollment includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, making it more diverse than many rural Pennsylvania institutions.

Men: 34.0%
Women: 66.0%
White: 53.1%
Black: 17.3%
Hispanic: 10.4%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 89.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.7%

Location

Central Penn College sits in Summerdale, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles southwest of Harrisburg, the state capital. The campus draws 89.74% of its students from within Pennsylvania, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Summerdale is a small suburban community in the Cumberland Valley, surrounded by rolling farmland and within easy reach of Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas. Students can access Philadelphia and Pittsburgh within a few hours' drive. The quarter system allows for flexible scheduling in this quiet setting that prioritizes career preparation over traditional college town amenities. With only 321 students living on campus out of 721 total enrollment, many commute from nearby communities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Central Penn College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Summerdale, Pennsylvania 17093-0309

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,370
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,328
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,194

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Penn College?

Central Penn College admits 34% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a career-focused institution. The college prioritizes students who demonstrate commitment to their chosen professional fields rather than just academic credentials.

How much does Central Penn College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,279 annually after aid, with significant variation based on family income. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,591 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Penn College?

The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in career-focused programs. This small class environment supports the hands-on learning approach that defines the school's business, technology, and healthcare curricula.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Central Penn College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 39%, while 95.5% of graduates find employment in their field. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,370 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical career preparation.

Where is Central Penn College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Summerdale, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting with housing for 321 students out of 721 total enrollment. About 90% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community atmosphere with seven varsity sports teams.

Does Central Penn College operate on a traditional academic calendar?

Central Penn College uses a quarter system rather than traditional semesters, allowing students to complete programs more quickly. This accelerated format aligns with the college's career-focused mission, helping students enter the workforce sooner with practical skills.