Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

93.4%Acceptance

$15,240Tuition

3,074Students

22%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington serves as a gateway to the broader Penn State system, hosting 3,074 students who typically complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other campuses. This suburban campus outside Philadelphia accepts 93% of applicants with an average SAT of 1190. The regional campus model lets students access Penn State's reputation and programs without the immediate pressure of the massive University Park environment.

Students pay an average net price of $17,818 after financial aid, with 38% receiving some form of assistance. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,668 annually. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, though the 22% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $265 on median debt of $25,000.

The campus attracts a diverse student body that's 60% male and 20% Asian. With only 400 housing spots for over 3,000 students, most commute from the Philadelphia suburbs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than typical at large universities. Students compete in 14 Division III sports, though the real draw remains the Penn State connection and transfer pathway.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Abington serves as a regional campus where students complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than most large universities offer. However, the 25% four-year graduation rate reflects that many students transfer after completing foundational coursework rather than staying all four years. The campus offers the beginning courses for popular Penn State programs like business, engineering, and liberal arts. Students get the Penn State experience at a smaller scale while preparing for their major coursework. The 77% retention rate shows most students successfully complete their first year before moving forward in the Penn State system.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 25.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.2%
Retention Rate: 77.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Abington sits 20 miles north of Philadelphia, putting big-city internships and culture within easy reach by train. With housing for only 400 students and total enrollment of 3,074, roughly 13% live on campus while most commute from the greater Philadelphia area. The campus feels more like a community college than a traditional four-year university.

Students bundle up for Pennsylvania winters with real snow and temperatures dipping into the 20s, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for the campus's outdoor spaces. The 59% male, 41% female student body creates a different gender balance than most colleges. With 14 Division III sports teams and 215 total athletes, about 7% of students compete athletically. Weekends often mean trips into Philadelphia for many students, while campus residents build tight-knit communities in the residence halls. The diverse student population includes significant Asian (19%), Hispanic (13%), and Black (12%) representation. Most students plan to transfer to University Park after completing their first two years, creating a unique transitional campus culture focused on academic preparation rather than four-year traditions.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 400 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	3	3
Rape	3	3
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Stalking	3	1
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–41°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.0"
Annual Snowfall: 19.9"

Student Demographics

Penn State Abington draws a diverse mix of students with 38% qualifying for Pell Grants, reflecting its role as an accessible pathway into the Penn State system. The campus attracts students from varied economic backgrounds who want the Penn State experience at a more affordable price point. Men slightly outnumber women at nearly 60%, typical for a regional campus offering strong STEM and business programs. The student body is diverse, with significant Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations alongside white students. This creates a multicultural environment where first-generation college students often begin their Penn State journey before transferring to University Park.

Men: 59.4%
Women: 40.6%
White: 43.6%
Black: 12.4%
Hispanic: 12.6%
Asian: 19.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.4%

Location

Penn State Abington sits in Abington, Pennsylvania, just 20 miles north of Philadelphia. The campus serves 3,074 students in a large suburban setting that offers easy access to one of America's major metropolitan areas. Students can reach downtown Philadelphia by train or car within 30 minutes, giving them access to internships, cultural attractions, and job opportunities in the fifth-largest city in the United States. The suburban location provides a quieter study environment while maintaining urban connectivity. The area blends residential neighborhoods with commercial districts typical of Philadelphia's northern suburbs. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Abington with similar schools in the region.

Address: Abington, Pennsylvania 19001-3918

Conference Center, Penn State Abington 01

Woodland Building, Penn State Abington 01

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435
Median Earnings (5 years): $72,964
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington?

Penn State Abington accepts 93.41% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1190. This campus serves as a gateway to the Penn State system, offering students a less competitive entry point compared to the main University Park campus.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $17,818 annually, with 38.35% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,668 on average, making this Penn State campus relatively affordable for in-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington?

The campus maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,074 total students enrolled. This smaller scale provides more personalized attention than larger universities while students complete their first two years before potentially transferring within the Penn State system.

What are the graduation outcomes at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington?

The 4-year graduation rate is 25.04%, though many students transfer to other Penn State campuses before completing their degree here. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, with 95.7% finding employment.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Abington, Pennsylvania, with housing for just 400 students out of 3,074 total enrollment. Most students commute to this regional campus, which fields 14 varsity sports teams and 215 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington offer a complete degree program?

This regional Penn State campus specializes in providing the first two years of many Penn State programs before students transfer to University Park or other campuses. The 77.08% retention rate reflects students either continuing here or successfully transferring within the Penn State system.