Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

95.4%Acceptance

$15,944Tuition

3,172Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Penn State Behrend offers the resources of a major research university on a more intimate scale. This regional campus enrolls 3,172 students in Erie's suburban setting, creating a close-knit community within the broader Penn State system. The campus is particularly known for its engineering and business programs, attracting students who want smaller class sizes without sacrificing academic prestige. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors actually know their students' names. The acceptance rate of 95% reflects the campus's mission to provide access to Penn State education for a wide range of students.

The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $22,951, which drops to just $14,702 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt but earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation. That translates to manageable monthly loan payments of $265 against solid earning potential. The employment rate of 95.7% suggests employers value the Penn State credential.

The student body skews male at 63%, reflecting the engineering focus. Students compete in 24 NCAA Division III sports, with 395 total athletes finding ways to stay active. The 43.9% four-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer to finish, often due to co-ops and internships that enhance career prospects.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Behrend operates as a regional campus focused on engineering and business programs within the broader Penn State system. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personal attention than you'd find at University Park's main campus. Engineering students benefit from hands-on labs and industry partnerships that reflect Erie's manufacturing heritage. The business school emphasizes practical experience through internships with local companies. However, the 44% four-year graduation rate suggests students often take longer to complete degrees, possibly due to co-op programs or part-time enrollment. The campus serves students who want Penn State credentials and resources but prefer a smaller, more intimate academic environment than the flagship campus offers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.7%
Retention Rate: 82.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Erie sits on 725 acres overlooking Lake Erie, about 90 minutes from both Pittsburgh and Buffalo. The campus houses 1,603 students, meaning roughly half of the 3,172 enrolled live on campus in residence halls that feel more like a close-knit college than a sprawling university. Winter dominates the academic year with lake-effect snow that can dump feet of powder, so students pack heavy coats and boots for the long stretch from November through March.

The 63% male enrollment reflects the school's strong engineering reputation, creating a campus culture built around problem-solving competitions and hands-on projects. Students often spend weekends at Presque Isle State Park, a sandy peninsula jutting into Lake Erie that offers beaches in warmer months and cross-country skiing when snow flies. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not ID number. Campus traditions center around Penn State's broader culture while maintaining the intimacy of a regional campus where the 395 student-athletes competing in 24 Division III sports know most spectators personally.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,603 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	6	6
Stalking	6	4
Rape	4	4
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Fondling	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–35°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.0"
Annual Snowfall: 104.3"

Student Demographics

Penn State Behrend draws students who want the resources of a major research university but prefer a smaller campus environment. With 63% male enrollment, the student body reflects the school's strong engineering and technical programs that attract more men to STEM fields. The campus serves primarily Pennsylvania residents seeking quality education close to home, while the 27% Pell Grant rate shows Behrend makes Penn State accessible to working-class families in the Erie region. Students here value hands-on learning and the tight-knit community feel that larger Penn State campuses can't provide.

Men: 63.3%
Women: 36.7%
White: 76.7%
Black: 3.7%
Hispanic: 4.5%
Asian: 5.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.7%

Location

Penn State Erie sits in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 130 miles north of Pittsburgh along Lake Erie's southern shore. The campus serves 3,172 students in a midsize suburban setting that balances small-town accessibility with lakefront recreation. Erie offers beaches, boating, and outdoor activities year-round, though winters bring heavy lake-effect snow. The city provides internship opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare while maintaining an affordable cost of living. Students get a quieter alternative to Penn State's main campus while staying connected to the broader university system. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the more intimate learning environment compared to larger state universities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Erie with similar schools in the region.

Address: Erie, Pennsylvania 16563-0001

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 Erie-Behrend College?

The acceptance rate is 95.44%, making admission highly likely for most applicants. As a regional Penn State campus, Behrend focuses more on providing access to Penn State's engineering and business programs than on selectivity.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $22,951, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,702 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost of attendance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing more personalized attention than typical large universities. With 3,172 students, Behrend offers the intimate learning environment that many students seek while maintaining access to Penn State's academic reputation.

What are the career outcomes for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strength of the engineering and business programs. The employment rate reaches 95.7%, though the 45.70% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Erie, Pennsylvania, housing 1,603 students in on-campus facilities. With 24 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division III and 395 total athletes, Behrend maintains an active athletic culture despite offering no athletic scholarships.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College have a gender imbalance?

Men make up 63.34% of the student body while women represent 36.66%, creating a notable gender imbalance. This ratio likely reflects the campus's focus on engineering programs, which traditionally attract more male students.