Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

95.8%Acceptance

$15,944Tuition

2,412Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona serves as a gateway campus where many students begin their Penn State journey before transferring to University Park. This regional campus enrolls 2,412 students in a small city setting. With a 95.76% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1150. The campus functions as both a standalone degree destination and a strategic starting point for students who want the Penn State name at a more accessible entry point.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Pennsylvania families. In-state students pay $15,944 in tuition, while the average net price settles at $24,704 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 quite manageable. Students typically make monthly loan payments of $265. The investment pays off with a 95.7% employment rate for graduates.

The low graduation rates reveal an important truth about this campus. Only 17.80% of students graduate within six years, largely because many transfer to other Penn State campuses rather than completing degrees here. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention during this transitional period. For students seeking Penn State credentials without University Park's competitive admission standards, Altoona offers a viable pathway.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Altoona functions as a regional campus within the larger Penn State system, offering the first two years of most Penn State majors before students typically transfer to University Park. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personalized attention than you'd find at the main campus. However, the 17% four-year graduation rate reflects that most students complete their degrees elsewhere in the system rather than staying all four years. Popular programs include business, engineering, and liberal arts, with many students using Altoona as an affordable entry point into competitive Penn State programs. The campus specializes in preparing students for successful transitions to University Park or other four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 79.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 17.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.8%
Retention Rate: 77.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

The Altoona campus sits in a small Pennsylvania city about 45 minutes from State College, where students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild summers. With housing for 889 students and total enrollment of 2,412, roughly 37% live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment that feels more like a liberal arts college than a large state university.

Students here embrace the unique position of being part of the Penn State system while developing their own campus identity. Many use this as their launching pad to University Park, though plenty find their home in Altoona's supportive atmosphere. Weekend activities center around the 14 Division III sports teams, which engage 221 student-athletes, and outdoor recreation in the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. The 77% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the smaller scale and personal attention before potentially transferring to the flagship campus. Campus traditions blend local Altoona pride with broader Penn State loyalty, creating a distinctive community feel.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 889 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	5	3
Rape	5	3
Stalking	5	3
Burglary	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–32°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State Altoona draws students who want the Penn State experience without the intensity of University Park. With 26% of students receiving Pell Grants, this campus serves many first-generation college students from working-class Pennsylvania families. The slight male majority reflects the school's strength in technical programs and business. Many students see Altoona as their entry point into the Penn State system, planning to transfer to the main campus after building their academic foundation. The diverse student body includes students from urban Pittsburgh and rural central Pennsylvania communities.

Men: 53.9%
Women: 46.1%
White: 72.4%
Black: 6.4%
Hispanic: 7.8%
Asian: 4.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.8%

Location

Penn State Altoona sits in central Pennsylvania, about 45 miles east of Pittsburgh in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The city of Altoona has around 43,000 residents and built its identity around the railroad industry, particularly as a center for the Pennsylvania Railroad. With 2,412 students enrolled, the campus brings a noticeable college presence to this working-class community. The mountainous terrain offers outdoor recreation opportunities, while the small-city setting provides more amenities than a typical college town without the distractions of a major metropolitan area. The campus serves students who want the Penn State experience in a more intimate environment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Altoona with similar schools in the region.

Address: Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601-3777

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 Altoona?

Penn State Altoona accepts 95.76% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1150. The campus serves as an accessible entry point into the Penn State system for students who may later transfer to University Park.

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

The average net price is $24,704 annually, with students typically graduating with $25,000 in debt. Only 25.84% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the campus's role as an affordable option within the Penn State system.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 among the 2,412 enrolled students. This smaller campus environment provides more personalized attention than larger Penn State campuses while maintaining access to the university's academic resources.

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

Only 17.80% of students graduate within six years, though graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 after ten years. Many students use this campus as a stepping stone, transferring to Penn State's main campus before completing their degrees.

Where do students live at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?

The campus houses 889 students with on-campus room and board costing $13,820 annually. The retention rate of 77.06% suggests students generally adapt well to the small city environment in Altoona.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona offer athletic scholarships?

The campus offers $0 in athletic scholarships across its 14 NCAA Division III varsity sports with 221 total athletes. Division III athletics emphasize the student-athlete experience without the pressure of athletic scholarships found at larger Penn State campuses.