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84.3%Acceptance
$23,900Tuition
650Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,374Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAData: 2023-24

About Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University focuses exclusively on science and technology education in Pennsylvania's capital city. The university serves 650 students who dive deep into STEM programs with strong ties to local industry and government agencies. Founded in 2001, this young institution has built a reputation for hands-on learning and career preparation in tech fields. The small city setting puts students close to state government internships and growing tech companies.

Students pay an average net price of $13,766 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $23,900 tuition. Graduates earn a median of $52,374 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, and 96.1% find employment after graduation. The financial math works for most students who complete their degrees.

The student body skews heavily male at 71%, reflecting the tech-heavy curriculum. With only 650 total students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, everyone gets personal attention from professors. The 43% six-year graduation rate suggests the rigorous STEM coursework challenges many students, but those who persist find strong career prospects in Pennsylvania's growing technology sector.

Academics & Faculty

Harrisburg University focuses exclusively on STEM fields, offering specialized programs in cybersecurity, analytics, and computer science that align with Pennsylvania's growing tech sector. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in technical subjects, though the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real challenges mastering demanding coursework. The university has built strong partnerships with local government agencies and tech companies in the capital region, giving students access to internships and job opportunities. With only 650 students, everyone knows each other in this tight-knit community where professors often have industry backgrounds and maintain connections that benefit graduates entering the workforce.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
40.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
38.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.4%
Retention Rate
72.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,374
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $38,289
Natural Sciences. Bachelor $30,554

View all 34 programs →

Campus Life

Harrisburg University sits in Pennsylvania's capital city, giving students direct access to government internships and tech companies. Only 36% of the 650 students can live in campus housing, so most find apartments nearby or commute from home. The compact urban campus means you'll walk between buildings rather than across sprawling quads.

With 71% male enrollment, the gender ratio reflects the school's heavy focus on cybersecurity, computer science, and analytics programs. Students often spend weekends working on coding projects or participating in hackathons rather than traditional college parties. The 96% employment rate draws serious students who view college as career preparation. You'll need winter coats for Pennsylvania's cold months and should expect a more professional atmosphere than typical college campuses.

The Storm athletic program fields only 2 varsity teams with 19 total athletes, so sports culture is minimal. Instead, students gravitate toward tech meetups, gaming clubs, and industry networking events in downtown Harrisburg. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important when 43% graduate within six years.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
231 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
2001

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 5
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 5
Robbery 0 0 1 4
Stalking 4 0 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 1
Arson 0 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Students at Harrisburg University come primarily from Pennsylvania, drawn by the school's reputation for technology training in the state capital. The student body is 71% male, reflecting the university's focus on STEM fields where men still dominate enrollment. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students and working-class families seeking career advancement through tech skills. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic populations, unusual for a STEM-focused institution, suggesting the university actively recruits underrepresented groups into technology careers.
Men
71.1%
Women
28.9%
White
44.0%
Black
25.2%
Hispanic
16.5%
Asian
5.7%
In-State Students
64.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
48.2%

Location

Harrisburg University sits in Pennsylvania's capital city, about 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 200 miles north of Washington, D.C. The campus enrolls 650 students in the heart of Harrisburg's downtown government district. Pennsylvania's capital offers internship opportunities with state agencies and technology companies drawn to the region's growing tech corridor. The Susquehanna River runs through the city, which serves as a center for central Pennsylvania's 1.2 million residents. Harrisburg blends urban amenities with small-city accessibility, though students shouldn't expect a traditional college town atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Harrisburg University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101-2208
4th Street towards Pennsylvania State Capitol Building
4th Street towards Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,374
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,018
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,700
Loan Repayment Rate
42.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

The university accepts 84.31% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for students interested in STEM fields. This tech-focused institution prioritizes hands-on learning and industry partnerships over highly selective admissions.

How much does Harrisburg University of Science and Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,766 after aid, lower than the sticker price of $23,900 tuition. About 48% of students receive financial aid, with the university offering substantial institutional grants averaging $23,589.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

The university maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio with just 650 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in technology and science programs that emphasize real-world applications.

How well do graduates from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology perform in the job market?

Graduates achieve a 96.1% employment rate and earn a median salary of $52,374 ten years after graduation. The university's strong industry connections in Pennsylvania's capital region help students transition from classroom to career in STEM fields.

Where do students live at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

The campus houses 231 students in on-campus facilities, while many of the 650 total students commute from the Harrisburg area. About 65% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting the university's regional focus and urban setting.

What makes the student body unique at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?

Men comprise 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's STEM focus, while the campus shows strong diversity with 44% White, 25% Black, and 16% Hispanic students. Founded in 2001, this young institution attracts students seeking modern technology education in Pennsylvania's government center.