Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

96.2%Acceptance

$15,180Tuition

1,218Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

Penn State Brandywine serves as a stepping stone campus where most students complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or finishing select four-year programs locally. The campus enrolls 1,218 students in a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. With a 96% acceptance rate, nearly any student with college ambitions can gain admission. The average SAT score of 1178 reflects a solid but not top student body.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $22,518, which drops to just $16,792 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments of $265. The strong employment rate of 95.7% suggests most students find work after graduation.

The low graduation rates reveal this campus's true purpose as a transfer center. Only 23% finish in four years and 21% in six years, but this reflects students successfully moving to other Penn State campuses rather than dropping out. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention during these crucial early college years. Men outnumber women 63% to 37%, and the student body is racially diverse with no single group forming a majority.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Brandywine serves as a regional campus designed primarily for students' first two years before transferring to University Park or completing select four-year programs on site. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close attention in small classes, typical of branch campuses that prioritize undergraduate instruction. However, the 21% six-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a final destination for most students. The curriculum focuses on general education requirements and foundational courses across liberal arts and sciences. Students benefit from Penn State's academic reputation while receiving personalized support in a smaller campus environment. Popular transfer pathways include business, engineering, and health sciences programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 21.3%
Retention Rate: 72.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Brandywine sits in Media, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The campus serves 1,218 students with only 250 housing spots available, meaning most students commute from the surrounding suburbs. You'll need winter coats for Pennsylvania's cold months and lighter clothes for humid summers.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes than you'd find at University Park. With 62.8% male enrollment, the gender balance skews toward men, partly reflecting the campus's role as a stepping stone for engineering and other technical programs. Many of the 170 varsity athletes across 12 sports help anchor campus life. Weekend activities often center around Philadelphia, where students can catch professional sports games or explore the city's neighborhoods. The 72.4% retention rate suggests students either transfer to University Park after two years as planned or stay to complete one of the available four-year degrees. Campus life feels more like a commuter college than traditional residential experience, with many students balancing work and family commitments alongside their studies.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 250 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	4	4
Arson	1	1
Dating Violence	1	1
Fondling	1	1
Stalking	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–42°F
July Avg: 70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 30.5"

Student Demographics

Penn State Brandywine draws primarily local Pennsylvania students who value the Penn State name at a more affordable price point. The campus serves a working-class population, with over one-third qualifying for Pell Grants and many balancing jobs alongside classes. Men outnumber women , reflecting the campus's strength in business and STEM programs that traditionally attract more male students. The diverse student body includes substantial Black and Asian populations from the greater Philadelphia area. Most students view Brandywine as their entry point into the broader Penn State system before transferring to University Park.

Men: 62.8%
Women: 37.2%
White: 50.2%
Black: 17.6%
Hispanic: 9.0%
Asian: 13.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.8%

Location

Penn State Brandywine sits in Media, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The campus serves 1,218 students in Delaware County's suburban landscape. Media offers a classic small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and local shops within easy reach of major metropolitan opportunities. Students can access Philadelphia's internships, cultural attractions, and job market via a short drive or public transit. The location combines suburban safety with urban accessibility. Housing capacity reaches 250 students on the compact campus. The surrounding area features other colleges and universities, creating an educational corridor between Philadelphia and West Chester. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Brandywine with similar schools in the region.

Address: Media, Pennsylvania 19063-5522

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 Brandywine?

Penn State Brandywine accepts 96.19% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1178. This regional Penn State campus serves as a stepping stone for students who plan to transfer to University Park or complete select four-year programs locally.

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

The average net price is $22,518 per year, with 34.78% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $16,792 annually, making this Penn State option more affordable than the main campus.

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

The campus maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,218 enrolled students. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention as students prepare for transfer or complete their degrees at this suburban Philadelphia location.

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

The four-year graduation rate is 23.19%, though many students transfer before completing degrees here. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the value of Penn State credentials in the job market.

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

The campus sits in Media, Pennsylvania, a large suburb with housing for just 250 students. With 62.81% male enrollment and 12 varsity sports teams competing in the United East Conference, the campus offers a close-knit community experience.

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

The campus awards $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 12 varsity teams with 170 total athletes. Students compete for the love of the game rather than financial incentives, typical of smaller Penn State regional campuses.