Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango

87.0%Acceptance

$14,002Tuition

261Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango

Penn State Shenango serves as a small regional campus within the larger Penn State system, enrolling just 261 students in the town of Sharon. The intimate setting creates a close-knit academic environment where students get personal attention from faculty. With an 86.98% acceptance rate, the campus welcomes students who want the Penn State name and network without the massive lecture halls of University Park. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not student ID number.

The financial picture shows mixed results for students and families. Average net price sits at $14,259, making it accessible for most Pennsylvania families, especially with 40.57% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical $25,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $265, manageable given the strong 95.7% employment rate among graduates.

Student retention tells an important story about campus life and academic preparation. Only 52% of students return for their second year, and graduation rates hover around 23% for both four-year and six-year completion. The campus attracts more women than men, with a 62% female student body, and serves a predominantly white student population at 79.31%.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Shenango operates as a regional campus offering the first two years of Penn State degrees before students typically transfer to University Park or other four-year campuses. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio provides strong personal attention in small classes. However, the 23% four-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a standalone degree destination. Students benefit from Penn State's academic reputation while paying less than main campus tuition. The campus focuses on general education requirements and foundational courses in business, liberal arts, and sciences. Faculty maintain close mentoring relationships with the 261 enrolled students, many of whom are first-generation college students from the local Rust Belt community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 60.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 23.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 23.0%
Retention Rate: 52.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Shenango sits in Sharon, Pennsylvania, about 75 miles northwest of Pittsburgh in the Rust Belt region. With only 261 students enrolled, this regional campus feels more like a close-knit community college than a traditional university. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your academic struggles.

Sharon winters require heavy coats and snow boots, with lake-effect snow from nearby Lake Erie. The campus lacks dormitories, so students commute from surrounding towns or live in off-campus apartments. Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a different active than Penn State's main campus. With just 6 varsity sports teams and 91 total athletes, school spirit centers more around academic achievements than athletic victories.

Weekends often mean trips to Pittsburgh for entertainment or working part-time jobs to help cover the $14,259 average net price. The 52% retention rate suggests many students transfer to University Park or other campuses after completing general education requirements. Social life happens in small groups rather than large campus events.

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

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	3	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–34°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.2"
Annual Snowfall: 67.8"

Student Demographics

Penn State Shenango draws primarily working-class students from western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. With 41% receiving Pell Grants, the campus serves families where college might be a first-generation experience. The student body leans heavily female at 62%, reflecting strong programs in education and human services that traditionally attract women. Most students are white locals who see this regional campus as an affordable pathway into the Penn State system. The small enrollment of 261 creates a tight-knit community where students from similar blue-collar backgrounds support each other through their college journey.

Men: 37.9%
Women: 62.1%
White: 79.3%
Black: 11.9%
Hispanic: 3.8%
Asian: 0.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.6%

Location

Penn State Shenango sits in Sharon, Pennsylvania, about 80 miles northwest of Pittsburgh near the Ohio border. The town-fringe setting places the campus in a former steel industry center that has transitioned to manufacturing and healthcare. Sharon's population of roughly 13,000 creates a small-town atmosphere where the campus's 261 students represent a notable presence in the community. The Shenango River Valley region features rolling hills and remnants of industrial heritage, with nearby Buhl Park offering outdoor recreation. The area lacks the bustling energy of a traditional college town but provides affordable living and close-knit community connections. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Shenango with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146-1537

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 Shenango?

Penn State Shenango accepts 86.98% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. As a regional campus of the larger Penn State system, it serves as an entry point for students seeking the Penn State experience in a smaller setting.

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

Students pay an average net price of $14,259 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,852, while those earning over $110,000 pay $21,875 after aid.

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

The campus maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio with just 261 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention that larger universities cannot provide.

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

Only 23% of students graduate within four years, and the six-year graduation rate remains at 23%. The 52% retention rate suggests many students transfer to other Penn State campuses or institutions to complete their degrees.

Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango located?

The campus sits in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a town-fringe community near the Ohio border. This regional location serves students from western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio who want Penn State credentials without big-city costs.

How much do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after starting college, with a 95.7% employment rate. Despite the low graduation rates, those who complete their degrees find solid career prospects with manageable debt loads averaging $25,000.