Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington

91.5%Acceptance

$14,380Tuition

423Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington

Penn State New Kensington serves as a regional campus where 423 students get the Penn State education without the massive university experience. This small branch campus sits in the rural-fringe area near Pittsburgh, offering a close-knit alternative to the main University Park campus. Students here can start their Penn State journey in smaller classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, then often transfer to complete their degrees at larger campuses. The school accepts 91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1145, making it one of the more accessible entry points into the Penn State system.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $19,522 after aid, which drops to just $12,821 for families earning under $30,000. About 55% of students take federal loans, graduating with a typical debt load of $25,000. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $63,435, which helps explain the solid 68% loan repayment rate. Monthly loan payments average $265, a manageable amount given the earning potential.

The graduation rates reveal this campus's main challenge. Only 24% of students finish their degree within six years, though many transfer to other Penn State campuses rather than dropping out entirely. The 77% retention rate suggests most students stick around for their second year, but completing degrees here requires persistence.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State New Kensington operates as a regional campus of the larger Penn State system, offering students a pathway to earn a Penn State degree in a smaller setting. With just 423 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know their students personally. However, the 24.40% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees here. The campus primarily serves as a starting point for students who plan to transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses after completing general education requirements. Students can begin programs in business, engineering, and liberal arts before moving to specialized campuses for upper-level coursework.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.4%
Retention Rate: 76.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State New Kensington sits about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, giving students access to a major city while living in a smaller community of around 12,000 people. The campus feels intimate with just 423 students and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning you'll know your professors personally and see familiar faces daily. Winters here require a good coat, as western Pennsylvania gets snow and temperatures that drop well below freezing from December through March.

The campus operates as a commuter school, so most students drive to class rather than living in dorms. With 61.7% male enrollment, the student body skews heavily male, which shapes the social actives. Weekends often center around Pittsburgh's sports scene, especially Steelers and Penguins games, since many students are from the surrounding areas. The six varsity sports teams, involving 99 total athletes, create some campus spirit despite the small size. Students looking for big university traditions and a residential college experience should consider other Penn State campuses, as this location focuses more on academics and career preparation than campus life.

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

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.2"
Annual Snowfall: 28.6"

Student Demographics

Penn State New Kensington draws mostly local Pennsylvania students who want Penn State credentials without leaving the region. With 61.7% men, the campus reflects its strength in technical fields and business programs that have traditionally attracted more male students. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families from the Pittsburgh area who value practical education. The small size of 423 students means everyone knows each other, creating a tight community where first-generation college students get personal attention as they work toward Penn State degrees.

Men: 61.7%
Women: 38.3%
White: 79.4%
Black: 5.9%
Hispanic: 6.2%
Asian: 1.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.5%

Location

Penn State New Kensington sits in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The campus serves as a regional branch in the Allegheny Valley, where old industrial towns mix with suburban neighborhoods and rolling hills. With just 423 students, this small campus feels more like a community college than a traditional university setting. The area around New Kensington offers access to outdoor recreation along the Allegheny River, while Pittsburgh provides internships and job opportunities for students willing to make the drive. The rural-fringe location means you get some campus quiet without being completely isolated from city resources. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State New Kensington with similar schools in the region.

Address: New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068-1765

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 New Kensington?

Penn State New Kensington accepts 91.45% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. Students typically score around 1145 on the SAT, with most falling between 1080 and 1210. This regional campus serves as an entry point to the broader Penn State system for students in the Pittsburgh area.

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

Students pay an average net price of $19,522 after financial aid. In-state tuition costs $14,380 while out-of-state students pay $23,872. About 32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, providing personalized attention in a small campus environment. With only 423 total students enrolled, classes remain intimate and professors know students individually. This contrasts sharply with Penn State's massive main campus experience.

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

Only 24% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face at regional campuses. However, graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment with typical student loan payments of $265 monthly. The 95.7% employment rate shows strong job placement despite lower completion rates.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington located?

The campus sits in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, classified as a rural-fringe community near Pittsburgh. With 61.7% male students, the campus reflects the industrial character of western Pennsylvania. Six varsity sports teams compete with 99 total student-athletes participating.

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington a good value for working students?

The 76.72% retention rate suggests many students successfully balance academics with other commitments. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,821 net price, making education accessible to working-class families. As a Penn State regional campus, students can complete their first two years here before transferring to University Park.