Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver

93.2%Acceptance

$14,380Tuition

491Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver

Penn State Beaver serves as a launching pad for students who want the Penn State experience without the massive campus crowds. This regional campus enrolls just 491 students in suburban Monaca, offering the first two years of many Penn State programs before students transfer to University Park or other campuses. The 93.20% acceptance rate makes it accessible to students with SAT scores averaging 1155. Small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio give students personalized attention during their foundational years.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $18,657 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $10,180. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments around $265. The 95.7% employment rate suggests graduates find work, though the 21.20% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their degrees.

The campus houses only 208 students, creating an intimate environment where 75.60% return for their second year. With just seven varsity sports and 115 total athletes, Penn State Beaver focuses more on academics than athletics. The student body is 56.62% male and predominantly white, reflecting the demographics of western Pennsylvania.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Beaver serves as a regional campus where students complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides close attention in small classes, though the 21% graduation rate reflects that most students move on rather than complete degrees here. This campus functions as an affordable entry point into the broader Penn State system, offering foundational coursework across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from personalized instruction while paying less than University Park tuition. The campus specializes in preparing students for transfer success, providing academic support and advising to help students transition smoothly to their intended four-year programs within the Penn State network.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 20.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 21.2%
Retention Rate: 75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Beaver sits in suburban Monaca, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. With only 491 students, this small regional campus creates an intimate college environment where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Just 208 students can live on campus, so roughly 42% experience dorm life while others commute from the Pittsburgh area.

Winters require heavy coats as western Pennsylvania sees snow and freezing temperatures from December through March. The 75.6% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the close-knit community before many transfer to Penn State's main campus for their final two years. With only 7 varsity sports teams and 115 total athletes, the social scene revolves more around intramural activities and campus events than big game days. Students often head to Pittsburgh on weekends for entertainment, shopping, and internship opportunities. The campus serves as a stepping stone within the larger Penn State system, where students build foundational skills and relationships before moving on to complete their degrees at University Park or other campuses.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 208 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	3	3	0	0
Stalking	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–36°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.8"
Annual Snowfall: -762.2"

Student Demographics

Penn State Beaver draws students primarily from western Pennsylvania who see it as an affordable entry point into the Penn State system. With one-third of students receiving Pell Grants, the campus serves many first-generation college students from working-class families in the region. The slight male majority reflects students planning to transfer into Penn State's engineering and business programs. Most arrive planning to complete their first two years here before moving to University Park, making it a stepping stone for students who want the Penn State degree without the immediate financial burden of the main campus.

Men: 56.6%
Women: 43.4%
White: 69.9%
Black: 8.6%
Hispanic: 6.9%
Asian: 5.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.5%

Location

Penn State Beaver sits in Monaca, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The campus serves a suburban area in Beaver County along the Ohio River. With just 491 students enrolled, this regional Penn State campus operates in a small town setting that feels more intimate than typical university environments. The area offers access to Pittsburgh's job market and cultural amenities while maintaining a quieter pace. Monaca's location provides students with both small-town community feel and proximity to Pennsylvania's second-largest metropolitan area. The Ohio River valley setting creates a different atmosphere from Penn State's main campus in State College. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Beaver with similar schools in the region.

Address: Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061-2764

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 Beaver?

Penn State Beaver accepts 93.20% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1155. This regional Penn State campus serves as a stepping stone for students who plan to transfer to University Park or other campuses after completing their first two years.

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

The average net price is $18,657, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,180 after aid. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $25,000 in debt.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 among the 491 enrolled students. This small campus environment provides more personalized attention than larger Penn State locations, with most students planning to transfer after two years.

What are the graduation rates at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Beaver?

The six-year graduation rate is 21.20%, reflecting the campus's role as a transfer-focused institution. Most students complete their degrees at other Penn State campuses, and graduates who stay earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment.

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

The campus sits in Monaca, PA, a large suburban setting with housing for just 208 students. With 115 student-athletes competing in seven varsity sports, the small community creates tight-knit connections despite the 75.60% retention rate.

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

The campus offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite having seven varsity teams and 115 student-athletes. This reflects the school's focus as a regional campus designed primarily for academic preparation before transferring within the Penn State system.