Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill

85.8%Acceptance

$15,180Tuition

617Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill

Penn State Schuylkill serves as a gateway to the broader Penn State system for students seeking a smaller campus experience. This regional campus enrolls just 617 students in the small town of Schuylkill Haven. The campus specializes in offering the first two years of many Penn State degrees in a close-knit environment where students can complete prerequisites before transferring to University Park or other campuses. With an 85.78% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1085. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger campuses cannot provide.

The financial picture reveals both opportunities and challenges. Students typically pay a net price of $21,228 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $13,752. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments of $265. The strong employment rate of 95.7% shows graduates find work, though the path to degree completion requires persistence.

Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where women outnumber men 63% to 37%. The school fields 14 varsity sports teams with 140 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 81.94% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though many transfer to complete their degrees at other Penn State campuses as planned.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Schuylkill serves as a regional campus offering the first two years of most Penn State degrees in an intimate setting. With just 617 students, the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger campuses can't match. However, the 23.73% four-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. Most students transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses to complete their bachelor's degrees. The campus focuses on general education requirements and introductory coursework across multiple disciplines. This structure works well for students who want the Penn State experience but prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships during their foundational years.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.7%
Retention Rate: 81.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Schuylkill sits in a small town about 90 minutes northwest of Philadelphia, where students experience all four seasons and definitely need winter coats for snowy Pennsylvania winters. With just 617 students enrolled, this feels more like a close-knit high school than a massive university. About half the students live on campus in housing that accommodates 304 people, creating a tight residential community where everyone knows each other.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name and notice when you're absent. Women make up 63% of the student body, contributing to a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Students here often transfer to University Park or other Penn State campuses after completing their first two years, though some stick around for the small-campus experience. Weekend activities revolve around the 14 varsity sports teams, with 140 total athletes keeping campus life active. When students want more excitement, they drive to Reading or take weekend trips to Philadelphia for concerts, museums, and city nightlife.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 304 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	6	6
Burglary	4	4
Stalking	2	1
Fondling	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–37°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.5"
Annual Snowfall: 21.3"

Student Demographics

Penn State Schuylkill draws primarily local students seeking an affordable entry point into the Penn State system. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education that appeal to female students. The campus serves a working-class population, with over a third receiving Pell Grants. Most students come from Pennsylvania mining and manufacturing communities in Schuylkill County. The small enrollment of 617 creates tight bonds among classmates. Students typically plan to transfer to University Park after completing general education requirements in this supportive environment.

Men: 36.8%
Women: 63.2%
White: 68.6%
Black: 13.5%
Hispanic: 10.4%
Asian: 2.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.6%

Location

Penn State Schuylkill sits in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, about 90 miles northwest of Philadelphia. This small town of roughly 5,000 residents nestles in the heart of Pennsylvania's coal region, where rolling hills and former mining communities define the landscape. The campus serves a tight-knit community with just 617 students spread across 304 on-campus housing spots. Schuylkill Haven offers the quintessential small-town college experience, far removed from urban distractions. The area's rich industrial heritage still shapes local culture, though students often venture to nearby Pottsville or take weekend trips to Philadelphia. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Schuylkill with similar schools in the region.

Address: Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania 17972-2202

Administration Bldg at Penn State Schuylkill 01

Nittany Apartments II at Penn State Schuylkill

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 Schuylkill?

Penn State Schuylkill accepts 85.78% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1085. This regional campus offers an accessible entry point into the Penn State system for students looking to complete their first two years in a smaller setting.

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

Students pay an average net price of $21,228 after aid, with 37.56% receiving some form of financial assistance. The campus keeps costs manageable compared to main Penn State campuses while still providing access to the broader university system.

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

The campus maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 617 total students enrolled. This intimate environment allows for personalized attention as students work through foundational coursework before potentially transferring to other Penn State locations.

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

The four-year graduation rate stands at 23.73%, with a six-year rate of 20.70%. Many students use this campus as a stepping stone, completing general education requirements before transferring to complete their degrees at other Penn State campuses.

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

The campus houses 304 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $8,710 annually. Located in the small town of Schuylkill Haven, the campus offers a tight-knit community experience within the larger Penn State network.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill offer athletic programs?

The campus fields 14 varsity sports teams with 140 total student-athletes competing. Despite offering no athletic scholarships, the programs provide opportunities for student engagement in this close-knit campus community.