Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly

80.7%Acceptance

$14,380Tuition

415Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette- Eberly

Penn State Fayette operates as a regional campus of the Pennsylvania State University system, serving 415 students in the rural community of Lemont Furnace. This small branch campus accepts about 80% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1115, making it accessible to students who want the Penn State name without the competition of the main campus. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention that's impossible at larger universities. Students here can complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or finish select four-year programs on site.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $19,450 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at $14,380. Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments of $265. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $63,435, which helps justify the investment. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school keeps costs lower than many four-year options.

The campus runs 10 varsity sports programs with 76 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community. However, the 33% six-year graduation rate signals that many students struggle to finish their degrees. The 74% retention rate suggests some students transfer rather than drop out entirely.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Fayette operates as a regional campus of the larger Penn State system, offering the first two years of most Penn State degrees before students typically transfer to University Park or other campuses to complete their programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know students by name, which helps explain why 73.68% of students return for their second year. However, the 33.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students use this campus as a stepping stone rather than completing four full years here. The campus focuses on foundational courses in business, liberal arts, and sciences, giving students access to Penn State's academic reputation at a more affordable price point of $14,380 for in-state students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 75.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.5%
Retention Rate: 73.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Fayette sits in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh in the rolling hills of southwestern PA. With only 415 students, this feels more like a close-knit community college than a massive state university. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - southwestern Pennsylvania gets cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, which is rare in the Penn State system. Most students commute from nearby towns since this is a regional campus without the traditional dorm life you'd find at University Park. The campus feels quiet, especially on weekends when many students head home or into Pittsburgh for entertainment. With 10 varsity sports teams and 76 total athletes, about one in five students plays a sport, creating a tight athletic community. The 73.68% retention rate suggests some students transfer to other Penn State campuses after completing general education requirements here. If you want small classes and personal attention while staying close to home in western Pennsylvania, this campus offers that Penn State degree without the big university overwhelm.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–39°F
July Avg: 61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.4"
Annual Snowfall: 28.1"

Student Demographics

Penn State Fayette draws students who want the Penn State name without the big campus experience. With 415 students, about 90% are white and come primarily from southwestern Pennsylvania and nearby areas. The 35% Pell Grant rate shows many students come from working-class families looking for an affordable path to a Penn State degree. The even gender split reflects the school's mix of business, engineering technology, and liberal arts programs. Most students are first-generation college goers who want to stay close to home while accessing Penn State's resources and alumni network.

Men: 48.4%
Women: 51.6%
White: 89.2%
Black: 4.1%
Hispanic: 2.9%
Asian: 1.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.4%

Location

Penn State Fayette sits in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in the Appalachian foothills. This rural-fringe campus serves 415 students in what was once coal country, where small towns dot the landscape between rolling hills and former mining sites. The area offers outdoor recreation but limited nightlife or cultural activities compared to larger college towns. Students here get a quieter college experience with easy access to Pittsburgh for internships or weekend trips. The campus feels more like a close-knit community college than a typical university setting, which works well for students who prefer smaller environments over big city energy. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Fayette with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania 15456-1025

Carillon Tower at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus

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 Fayette-Eberly?

The acceptance rate is 80.73%, making this regional Penn State campus accessible to most applicants. Students typically score around 1115 on the SAT, well below the main campus standards. The small size of 415 students means admissions focuses more on fit than selectivity.

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

Students pay an average net price of $19,450 after aid, with in-state tuition at $14,380. About 35% receive Pell Grants, indicating a significant population of lower-income students. Graduates typically carry $25,000 in debt with monthly payments around $265.

What are class sizes like at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, providing intimate classroom settings rare at larger universities. This regional campus serves as a stepping stone into the Penn State system. The small enrollment of 415 students means professors know students personally.

What are employment outcomes for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate with median earnings of $54,468 one year after graduation. Ten-year median earnings reach $63,435, reflecting the practical career focus of this working-class campus. However, only 33.5% complete their degree within six years.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly located?

The campus sits in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, in a rural-fringe setting near the West Virginia border. This location serves students from southwestern Pennsylvania's coal and steel regions. The 73.68% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the remote location.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Fayette-Eberly offer athletic scholarships?

The school offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 10 varsity sports with 76 total athletes. Athletic programs focus on participation and community rather than recruitment. Students compete at the USCAA level, emphasizing academics over athletics.