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92.4%Acceptance
$14,380Tuition
316Students
29%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$63,435Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois

Penn State DuBois operates as a branch campus of the larger Penn State system, serving just 316 students in a remote Pennsylvania town. The small size creates an intimate college experience where students get direct access to professors through an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. With a 92% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1120, the campus welcomes students who want Penn State credentials without the competition of the main campus. The setting appeals to students seeking a quiet, focused environment away from urban distractions.

Students pay an average net price of $18,192 after financial aid, though low-income families pay just $7,198. 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 95.7% employment rate shows strong job placement, though only 28% of students graduate within four years. The investment pays off for those who complete their degrees.

The student body skews male at 59% and remains overwhelmingly white at 93%. Eight varsity sports teams field 88 total athletes, creating opportunities for athletic participation without scholarships. About 79% of students return for their second year, suggesting decent satisfaction despite the rural location and modest graduation rates.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State DuBois operates as a branch campus of the larger Penn State system, offering the first two years of most Penn State degrees plus select four-year programs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention in small classes. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face at smaller branch campuses. Students often transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses to complete their degrees. The campus focuses on foundational coursework and general education requirements rather than specialized research. Popular pathways include business, education, and liberal arts, with students benefiting from Penn State's broader academic reputation while starting in a more intimate setting.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
77.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
28.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
29.0%
Retention Rate
78.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$63,435

Campus Life

Penn State DuBois sits in the heart of Pennsylvania's lumber country, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. With just 316 students, this branch campus feels more like a close-knit community college than a traditional university. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Winter coats are essential as snow blankets the campus from December through March, while fall brings spectacular foliage to the surrounding Allegheny Mountains.

Most students commute from the region rather than living on campus, creating a different social active than larger Penn State campuses. The 58% male student body reflects the area's industrial heritage and the campus's strong programs in engineering and business. With only 88 varsity athletes across 8 sports, game days feel intimate rather than overwhelming. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking or fishing, taking advantage of the rural setting. The 79% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the small-town pace, though the 28% four-year graduation rate indicates many transfer to University Park to complete their degrees.
Setting
Town-Remote
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–31°F
July Avg
58°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
42.4"
Annual Snowfall
63.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State DuBois draws primarily local and regional students from Pennsylvania's rural communities. The student body of 316 reflects the surrounding area's demographics, with strong representation from working-class families. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the campus serves as an affordable pathway to a Penn State degree. The male-leaning enrollment connects to the region's industrial heritage and the campus's focus on business, technology, and health sciences programs. Students typically stay close to home while accessing the broader Penn State network and resources.
Men
58.5%
Women
41.5%
White
92.7%
Black
2.9%
Hispanic
1.9%
Asian
0.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.4%

Location

DuBois sits in rural north-central Pennsylvania, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The campus serves just 316 students in a small town surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains and state forests. This remote setting offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. The town has fewer than 8,000 residents and maintains a close-knit community feel typical of Pennsylvania's rural regions. Students find themselves in classic small-town America, where the nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive. The 92% acceptance rate reflects the campus's role as an accessible entry point into the Penn State system. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State DuBois with similar schools in the region.
Address
DuBois, Pennsylvania 15801-2549
Penn State DuBois Campus Nittany Lion on Quad
Penn State DuBois Campus Nittany Lion on Quad
Penn State Great Valley - Main Building
Penn State Great Valley - Main Building

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 DuBois?

Penn State DuBois accepts 92.37% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1120, with middle 50% scores ranging from 1040 to 1200. This branch campus serves as an entry point into the Penn State system for students seeking a smaller, more personal college experience.

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

The average net price is $18,192 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,198 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full amount. About 31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $9,544.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, providing exceptionally small class sizes with only 316 total students enrolled. This intimate academic environment allows for personalized attention from professors. The retention rate of 78.87% reflects the close-knit campus community that helps students stay engaged.

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

The four-year graduation rate is 27.99% and the six-year rate reaches 29%, which is lower than typical four-year institutions. However, graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong career outcomes. The 95.7% employment rate shows that most graduates successfully enter the workforce.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois located?

The campus sits in DuBois, Pennsylvania, a small town in a remote setting that offers a quiet, focused academic environment. With 58.54% men and 41.46% women, the student body is predominantly male. The campus offers 8 varsity sports with 88 total athletes, creating opportunities for athletic participation in the close-knit community.

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

The school awards $0 in athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic programs rather than major athletic recruitment. Despite this, 88 students participate in 8 varsity sports, emphasizing participation over competition. As a branch campus of the larger Penn State system, students can access the resources and reputation of the broader university network.