Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto

91.3%Acceptance

$14,380Tuition

547Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto

Penn State Mont Alto operates as a smaller campus within the Penn State system, serving 547 students in the rural hills of south-central Pennsylvania. This branch focuses heavily on associate degree programs and career training rather than traditional four-year bachelor's degrees. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment that's rare at large state universities. Mont Alto attracts students seeking hands-on preparation for immediate entry into the workforce.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $19,993 after aid, which is reasonable for a state school. However, the 25.1% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. Those who do graduate earn a median of $43,600 six years later, with debt loads averaging $25,000. Monthly loan payments of $265 are manageable given the employment rate of 95.7%.

The campus houses only 305 students, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body. Eight varsity sports teams compete with 128 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. Three-quarters of students return for their second year, indicating reasonable satisfaction despite the challenging completion rates.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Mont Alto operates as a two-year campus within the Penn State system, focusing primarily on associate degrees and career training programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes across 547 students. However, the 25% six-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a destination. Many students transfer to other Penn State campuses after completing foundational coursework. The rural setting supports hands-on learning in programs like forestry, business, and health sciences. Students benefit from Penn State's broader resources while receiving individualized support in a small-town environment that emphasizes practical skills and workforce preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.1%
Retention Rate: 75.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Mont Alto sits in a small Pennsylvania town about 90 minutes from both Baltimore and Harrisburg. With only 547 students enrolled, this feels more like a community college than a traditional university campus. The housing capacity of 305 means roughly half of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. Winter coats are essential here, as snow blankets the rural campus from December through March.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Students often describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than competitive. Weekends tend to be quiet since many students go home or work part-time jobs. The campus offers 8 varsity sports with 128 total athletes, though there's no athletic scholarship money available. Most social life happens in residence halls or at informal gatherings rather than big parties. The rural-fringe setting means you'll need a car for shopping or entertainment beyond campus. Students here appreciate the personal attention but sometimes feel isolated from the broader college experience.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 305 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–35°F
July Avg: 61°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.6"
Annual Snowfall: 33.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State Mont Alto draws students from Pennsylvania and surrounding areas who want career-focused training without the massive campus experience. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting the campus's strength in health sciences, education, and human services programs. The school serves working-class families seeking practical degrees that lead directly to employment. With 547 students total, everyone knows each other by name. Most students commute from small towns across south-central Pennsylvania, though the campus houses about half its enrollment in residence halls.

Men: 40.0%
Women: 60.0%
White: 77.5%
Black: 4.6%
Hispanic: 7.5%
Asian: 4.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.1%

Location

Mont Alto sits in south-central Pennsylvania, roughly 90 miles northwest of Baltimore and 75 miles southwest of Harrisburg. This Penn State campus serves just 547 students in a small rural community nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The town itself has fewer than 2,000 residents, creating an intimate college environment where students know each other well. Mont Alto's location offers access to outdoor recreation in nearby state parks and forests, while still maintaining reasonable proximity to larger cities. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the personalized attention possible in this small-town setting. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Mont Alto with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mont Alto, Pennsylvania 17237-9700

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 Mont Alto?

Penn State Mont Alto accepts 91.30% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking entry into the Penn State system. The average SAT score is 1125, with most admitted students scoring between 1020 and 1230. This campus serves as a pathway for students who want Penn State credentials while building foundational skills.

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

The average net price is $19,993, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,518 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $26,342. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's role in serving working-class communities.

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

Penn State Mont Alto maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 547 total students. This small campus focuses on associate degrees and career training programs rather than traditional four-year bachelor's degrees. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention that larger Penn State campuses cannot provide.

What are the graduation rates at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto?

The four-year graduation rate is 26.40% and the six-year rate reaches only 25.10%, reflecting the campus's focus on two-year programs. However, graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment with 95.7% employment rates. Many students transfer to other Penn State campuses to complete bachelor's degrees rather than graduating directly from Mont Alto.

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

The campus sits in rural Mont Alto, Pennsylvania, housing just 305 students in a small-town setting. With 547 total students and 8 varsity sports teams involving 128 athletes, campus life revolves around close-knit community connections. The 75% retention rate reflects the supportive environment, though many students view this as a stepping stone to larger Penn State campuses.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto offer athletic scholarships?

Penn State Mont Alto awards $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 8 varsity sports teams with 128 total athletes. The campus prioritizes academic access over athletic recruitment, with 21.76% of students receiving institutional grants averaging $7,111. This approach aligns with the campus's mission as an affordable entry point into the Penn State system for local students.