Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

95.6%Acceptance

$15,944Tuition

4,154Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Penn State Harrisburg serves as the university system's graduate-focused campus in Pennsylvania's capital region. The school enrolls 4,154 students and operates in Middletown's large suburban setting. This regional campus caters heavily to working professionals and career-changers seeking advanced degrees. The 95.55% acceptance rate reflects its mission as an accessible entry point into the Penn State network.

Students pay an average net price of $23,478 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable for most careers. The monthly loan payment averages $265. Only 26.09% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families. The 95.7% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in the Harrisburg government and business corridor.

The student body skews heavily male at 62.08%, reflecting the school's emphasis on business and technology programs. The 29.30% six-year graduation rate seems low but makes sense given the high number of part-time working adults. Housing capacity of just 699 beds means most students commute from the surrounding capital region. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors despite the campus's practical, career-focused atmosphere.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Harrisburg serves as a graduate-focused regional campus in Pennsylvania's capital region. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students attend part-time or transfer to main campus. This campus attracts working professionals seeking evening and weekend programs in business, public administration, and engineering. The school's location near state government makes it popular for public policy and administration degrees. With 62% male enrollment, the campus skews toward technical and business fields. Most students use this as a stepping stone to Penn State's main campus or as convenient access to Penn State credentials while working full-time in the Harrisburg area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 63.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.3%
Retention Rate: 81.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Harrisburg sits in Middletown, roughly 10 miles southeast of Pennsylvania's capital city. With housing for just 699 students and total enrollment of 4,154, only about 17% of students live on campus. The majority are commuters, graduate students, and working professionals who treat this more like a regional education center than a traditional college town.

Men make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the campus's strong focus on business and technology programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes than main campus Penn State. Winters require heavy coats as central Pennsylvania sees snow and freezing temperatures from December through March. Students often head to Harrisburg for internships at state government offices or drive 20 minutes to Hershey for entertainment. Weekend social life revolves around the capital region rather than campus traditions. The 81.5% retention rate suggests students stick around, but the 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the high number of part-time and working students who take longer to finish degrees.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 699 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	3	3	0
Rape	2	2	0
Fondling	2	0	1
Arson	1	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–37°F
July Avg: 66°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 30.6"

Student Demographics

Penn State Harrisburg draws heavily from Pennsylvania's capital region, serving working professionals and career-changers who need flexible scheduling. Men make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the campus's strength in business, engineering, and public administration programs that appeal to government workers in nearby Harrisburg. The diverse student population includes significant Asian and Black representation, mirroring the demographics of south-central Pennsylvania's urban corridor. Many students work full-time while earning their degrees, creating a mature, goal-oriented campus culture focused on career advancement rather than traditional college experiences.

Men: 62.1%
Women: 37.9%
White: 46.5%
Black: 9.9%
Hispanic: 8.3%
Asian: 13.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.1%

Location

Penn State Harrisburg sits in Middletown, Pennsylvania, just 10 miles southeast of Harrisburg, the state capital. The campus serves the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area, which has a population of over 560,000 residents. This location puts students within an hour of major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. The 4,154-student campus operates in Pennsylvania's government and business corridor, where state agencies and corporate offices create abundant internship opportunities. The suburban setting offers access to the Susquehanna River and nearby recreational areas, while maintaining connections to urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Harrisburg with similar schools in the region.

Address: Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057-4846

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg accepts 95.55% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. This Penn State regional campus serves as a pathway for students who want the Penn State degree while focusing on graduate programs and working professionals in the capital region.

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

The average net price is $23,478 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,081. Only 26.09% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the campus's appeal to working professionals who often pay out of pocket.

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

The campus maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,154 total students. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention than Penn State's main campus while still providing access to the university's academic resources.

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

The six-year graduation rate is 29.30%, which reflects the campus's focus on working adults who often attend part-time. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after graduation, with strong employment prospects in Pennsylvania's capital region.

Where do students live at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?

The campus houses 699 students in on-campus facilities, representing a small portion of the 4,154 total enrollment. Most students commute from the surrounding Harrisburg metropolitan area, fitting the campus's role as a regional center for working professionals.

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

The campus offers $0 in athletic scholarships, competing in NCAA Division III where athletic aid is prohibited. With 262 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports, athletics focus on participation rather than recruitment at this academically-oriented regional campus.