Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny

87.7%Acceptance

$14,380Tuition

360Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny

Penn State Greater Allegheny serves as a regional campus where students can begin their Penn State journey in a smaller setting. With just 360 students, this McKeesport campus offers the intimate feel of a small college while providing access to the broader Penn State system. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that's rare at larger universities. Students often use this campus as a stepping stone, completing foundational coursework before potentially transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $14,721 after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,681. However, graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, which provides decent returns despite the campus's 27.4% six-year graduation rate. Students typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265. About 44% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's role serving working-class students in the Pittsburgh area.

The student body skews male at 61%, and nearly 70% of first-year students return for sophomore year. Six varsity sports programs engage 96 student-athletes, creating school spirit on the compact suburban campus. The 95.7% employment rate suggests graduates find work, even if completion rates lag behind traditional four-year institutions.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Greater Allegheny operates as a regional campus offering the first two years of Penn State's undergraduate programs before students typically transfer to University Park or other campuses. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings that larger universities cannot match. However, only 24% of students graduate in four years and 27% in six years, reflecting the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a four-year destination. With just 360 students, the campus focuses on foundational coursework in liberal arts, business, and pre-professional tracks. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention while earning credits toward a Penn State degree at a more affordable cost than the main campus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 75.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.4%
Retention Rate: 69.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Greater Allegheny sits in McKeesport, about 20 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, giving students access to a major city without the urban campus experience. With only 360 students enrolled, this feels more like a close-knit community college than a massive university. The student-faculty ratio of 8:1 means professors actually know your name. About 58% of students can live in the residence halls, though housing capacity is just 210 beds.

Pennsylvania winters require serious coats and snow boots, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through March. The campus operates on Penn State's semester system but maintains its own distinct culture. Men outnumber women 61% to 39%, creating a different social active than most campuses. With only 6 varsity sports and 96 total athletes, school spirit centers more around intramural activities and regional campus traditions. Weekends often involve trips to Pittsburgh for entertainment, shopping, or internship opportunities. The 69% retention rate suggests many students either transfer to University Park or leave the Penn State system entirely after their first year.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 210 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
Dating Violence	3	3
Rape	3	3
Robbery	1	1
Stalking	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–37°F
July Avg: 61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State Greater Allegheny draws primarily working-class students from western Pennsylvania, with nearly half qualifying for Pell Grants. The campus serves as an accessible entry point into the Penn State system for first-generation college students and those seeking affordable higher education close to home. Men outnumber women by a significant margin, reflecting the school's strength in engineering and technology programs that transfer to University Park. The diverse student body includes substantial representation from Black and other minority communities in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Men: 61.4%
Women: 38.6%
White: 58.6%
Black: 19.2%
Hispanic: 4.2%
Asian: 7.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.5%

Location

This small Penn State regional campus sits in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The enrollment of just 360 students creates an intimate college experience in the Mon Valley, a former steel-producing region that's been transitioning its economy for decades. McKeesport itself is a working-class city along the Monongahela River, offering students access to Pittsburgh's job market and cultural amenities without big-city costs. The suburban setting provides a quiet study environment while keeping urban opportunities within reach. With 69.37% of students returning for their second year, many find the close-knit campus community appealing. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Greater Allegheny with similar schools in the region.

Address: McKeesport, Pennsylvania 15132-7644

Penn State Greater Allegheny Student Community Center

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 Greater Allegheny?

Penn State Greater Allegheny accepts 87.65% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1170. This regional campus offers easier admission than Penn State's main campus while still providing access to the university's resources and reputation.

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

The average net price is $14,721, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,681 after aid. With 43.53% of students receiving Pell Grants, the campus serves many first-generation college students from working-class families in the Pittsburgh area.

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

The campus maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 360 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention that larger Penn State campuses cannot provide, though the 69.37% retention rate suggests some students struggle to stay enrolled.

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

Only 27.40% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. However, graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, benefiting from Penn State's strong alumni network and employer recognition.

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

The campus sits in McKeesport, a former steel town in the Pittsburgh suburbs with housing for 210 students. With 96 student-athletes competing in 6 varsity sports and a male-majority enrollment of 61.39%, the campus has a tight-knit community feel despite limited on-campus activities.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny offer good job placement after graduation?

The campus boasts a 95.7% employment rate for graduates, reflecting strong connections to Pittsburgh-area employers. Recent graduates earn $54,468 in their first year, with many benefiting from the region's healthcare, technology, and financial services sectors that value Penn State credentials.