Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton

89.9%Acceptance

$15,180Tuition

508Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton

Penn State Hazleton serves as a launching pad for students who want the Penn State experience without the overwhelming size of University Park. This regional campus enrolls just 508 students in a small suburban setting, offering the first two years of many Penn State degrees with smaller class sizes and personal attention. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Students typically complete their foundational coursework here before transferring to University Park or other Penn State campuses to finish their degrees.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,062 after aid, with nearly half receiving some form of financial assistance. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,278 annually. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $25,000 quite reasonable. The monthly loan payment of $265 won't crush most budgets.

The campus struggles with retention, however. Only 72% of students return for their sophomore year, and just 17% graduate within six years. This reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a four-year destination. The diverse student body is 55% white, 22% Hispanic, and 10% Black, creating a more varied environment than many small Pennsylvania colleges.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Hazleton serves as a feeder campus where students complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment that contrasts sharply with the massive lecture halls at main campus. However, the 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the campus's transitional nature, as many successful students transfer out rather than complete degrees here. Students can start popular Penn State programs like business, engineering, and liberal arts with personalized attention from professors. The small campus of 508 students allows faculty to know students by name and provide mentoring that helps prepare them for the academic rigor they'll face after transferring.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 79.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 16.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.9%
Retention Rate: 72.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Hazleton sits in Pennsylvania's coal region, about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. With just 508 students, this small campus offers an intimate college experience where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Nearly two-thirds of students live on campus in the limited housing that accommodates 337 residents, creating a tight-knit residential community.

Winter coats are essential here as Pennsylvania winters bring snow and freezing temperatures from December through March. The small-town setting means weekend entertainment often centers around campus events, intramural sports among the 119 student athletes, or trips to nearby Pocono Mountains for hiking and skiing. With 89.91% acceptance rate, students typically choose Hazleton as an affordable stepping stone to Penn State's main campus. The campus serves as a launching pad where 72.39% of students return for their second year, though many transfer to University Park after completing foundational coursework in smaller, more personalized classes.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity: 337 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	3	2
Burglary	1	1
Rape	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–32°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.6"
Annual Snowfall: 48.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State Hazleton draws students from Pennsylvania's diverse coal region communities, with nearly half qualifying for Pell Grants. The campus serves as an accessible entry point to the Penn State system for first-generation college students and working-class families. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting the region's industrial heritage and the campus's strong programs in business and engineering. The student body is more racially diverse than many rural Pennsylvania colleges, with significant Hispanic and Black populations. Most students see Hazleton as their pathway to completing a Penn State degree.

Men: 56.9%
Women: 43.1%
White: 54.7%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 21.7%
Asian: 3.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.8%

Location

Penn State Hazleton sits in the small city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, roughly 90 miles northwest of Philadelphia and about 30 miles south of Scranton. The campus serves a region known for its working-class roots in coal mining and manufacturing. With just 508 students, the school provides an intimate college experience in Pennsylvania's northeastern mountains. The Pocono Mountains region offers outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining affordable living costs reflected in the $12,022 annual room and board. The suburban small-town setting contrasts sharply with Penn State's massive University Park campus. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Hazleton with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18202-8025

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 Hazleton?

Penn State Hazleton accepts 89.91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1150. This regional Penn State campus serves as a pathway for students to complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other campuses.

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

The average net price is $20,062, with 47.78% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $15,278, making this Penn State option more affordable than the main campus.

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

With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and only 508 total students, classes are small and personal. This intimate setting allows students to build close relationships with professors during their foundational years before potentially transferring to larger Penn State campuses.

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

The 4-year graduation rate is 16.90%, though many students transfer before completing degrees here. Graduates who do stay earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of the Penn State network even from this smaller campus.

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

The campus sits in suburban Hazleton, Pennsylvania, with housing for 337 students and 8 varsity sports teams. With 119 total athletes competing and a 72.39% retention rate, students find community in this small-town Penn State environment.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Hazleton help students transfer to other Penn State campuses?

This regional campus specifically serves as a feeder school for Penn State's larger campuses, offering the first two years of many Penn State degrees. The smaller class sizes and personal attention help prepare students for eventual transfer to University Park or other Penn State locations.