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55.2%Acceptance
$20,234Tuition
41,862Students
86%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,435Earnings
#10 in PennsylvaniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$20,234
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,188
Average Net Price
$32,598
Students Receiving Financial Aid
13.3%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$13,030
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$13,448
Books & Supplies
$1,840
Total Cost of Attendance
$35,104
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
67.9%
Students Taking Federal Loans
39.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
13.3%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $19,458
$30,001 – $48,000 $19,743
$48,001 – $75,000 $26,257
$75,001 – $110,000 $33,579
$110,001+ $37,209

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Penn State families pay an average net price of $32,598 per year, which means a four-year degree costs about $130,000 after financial aid. The actual cost varies dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,458 annually, while those from families making over $110,000 pay $37,209. Out-of-state students face the full $40,188 tuition plus $13,030 for room and board.

Most graduates leave with $25,000 in debt, which translates to monthly payments of $265. That's manageable given that Penn State alumni earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation. Only 13% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's appeal to middle and upper-middle class families. Pennsylvania residents get the best financial deal here, especially those from working-class backgrounds who qualify for need-based aid but don't want to sacrifice the big college experience.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.