Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton

94.0%Acceptance

$15,180Tuition

821Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton

Penn State Scranton operates as a smaller branch of the Penn State system, serving 821 students in the suburbs of northeastern Pennsylvania. The campus emphasizes close faculty mentorship with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Students can start their Penn State education here before potentially transferring to University Park or completing their degree on this intimate campus. The acceptance rate of 94% makes it accessible to most applicants, with average SAT scores around 1125.

The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $18,934 after aid, which is reasonable for a public university education. Those from lower-income families pay less, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $14,151 net. Graduates carry a median debt of $25,000 and earn $63,435 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given typical graduate earnings.

The campus maintains a close-knit community feel that many find appealing after larger high school experiences. With 55% male and 45% female students, the gender balance tilts slightly male. Ten varsity sports teams engage 108 student-athletes, though no athletic scholarships are offered. The 76% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for here.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Scranton operates as a branch campus of the larger Penn State system, offering students a pathway to complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or finishing select four-year degrees locally. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. However, the 31.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a destination for many students. Popular programs include business, engineering prerequisites, and liberal arts foundations that prepare students for transfer. The small class sizes at this 821-student campus provide personalized attention that larger universities cannot match.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.9%
Retention Rate: 75.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Scranton sits in Dunmore, just outside Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania's coal country. The campus is 20 minutes from downtown Scranton and two hours from Philadelphia or New York City. With only 821 students and a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know your professors personally and see familiar faces daily across the compact campus.

Most students commute from the surrounding region, creating a tight-knit community feel during weekdays. The 55% male, 45% female split reflects the campus's practical program focus. Winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring brings relief to the mountainous terrain. With 10 varsity sports teams and 108 total athletes, about 13% of students compete athletically. Weekend social life centers around Scranton's restaurants and entertainment, plus outdoor activities in the Pocono Mountains nearby. Many students use this campus as a stepping stone to Penn State's main campus in University Park. The 76% retention rate shows most students stay, building relationships in this smaller Penn State environment.

Setting: Suburb-Large
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°–35°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.7"
Annual Snowfall: 45.1"

Student Demographics

Penn State Scranton draws a diverse mix of students from across Pennsylvania and beyond, with many coming from working-class families who value the affordable Penn State education. The campus attracts slightly more men than women, reflecting strong programs in business and STEM fields that appeal to male students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making higher education accessible to first-generation college students. The student body represents multiple ethnic backgrounds, with significant Latino and Asian populations alongside white students from the region's established communities.

Men: 55.4%
Women: 44.6%
White: 67.5%
Black: 5.7%
Hispanic: 12.2%
Asian: 10.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.3%

Location

Penn State Scranton sits in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, just outside Scranton in the northeastern corner of the state. The campus is about 120 miles north of Philadelphia and 150 miles west of New York City. This region of Pennsylvania is known for its small cities, rolling hills, and working-class heritage. Dunmore itself is a quiet suburb with around 14,000 residents that blends into the greater Scranton metropolitan area. The setting offers students a small-town feel while staying connected to urban opportunities. The area has deep ties to coal mining history and maintains a strong sense of community. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Scranton with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dunmore, Pennsylvania 18512-1602

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 Scranton?

Penn State Scranton accepts 93.99% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking entry into the Penn State system. The average SAT score is 1125, with admitted students typically scoring between 1020 and 1230. This small campus of 821 students serves as a gateway to the broader Penn State network.

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

Students pay an average net price of $18,934 annually, with in-state tuition at $15,180. About 43.31% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What are the academics like at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton?

The campus maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in a small college setting. With only 821 total students, classes tend to be intimate and discussion-based. The campus is known for close faculty mentorship and serving as a stepping stone to Penn State's main University Park campus.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton?

Graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after graduation, with a 95.7% employment rate. However, the 6-year graduation rate is only 31.90%, indicating many students may transfer or face completion challenges. The loan repayment rate stands at 67.92%, reflecting mixed financial outcomes for borrowers.

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

The campus sits in Dunmore, a large suburban area in northeastern Pennsylvania near Scranton. With 108 student athletes competing in 10 varsity sports and no athletic scholarships offered, sports maintain a recreational focus. The 75.45% retention rate suggests most first-year students stay engaged with campus life.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton offer pathways to other Penn State campuses?

As a Penn State branch campus, Scranton provides direct pathways for students to transfer to University Park and other system campuses. The 55.42% male and 44.58% female student body creates a balanced environment for the small 821-student community. This campus specializes in serving northeastern Pennsylvania with the full backing of the Penn State system.