Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

92.9%Acceptance

$15,180Tuition

668Students

11%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

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

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

Penn State York serves as a stepping stone for students planning to complete their Penn State degree at University Park or other campuses. This regional campus enrolls 668 students in a suburban setting, offering the first two years of many Penn State programs with smaller class sizes. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment that contrasts sharply with the massive lecture halls at main campus. Students benefit from the Penn State name and resources while receiving more personalized attention during their foundational years.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $18,922, which drops to just $11,304 for families earning under $30,000. However, the 11.40% six-year graduation rate is concerning, suggesting many students struggle to complete their degrees. Those who do graduate earn a median of $63,435 ten years out, with typical debt loads of $25,000. The employment rate of 95.7% shows strong job market outcomes for completers.

The student body skews heavily male at 63.17%, reflecting the campus's strength in technical and business programs. Only 6 varsity sports serve 98 total athletes, so this isn't a campus for serious sports enthusiasts. The 77.42% retention rate indicates that while many students stay for their second year, the transition to complete degrees elsewhere proves challenging for most.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State York serves as a gateway campus where students complete their first two years before transferring to University Park or other Penn State locations to finish their degrees. The campus enrolls 668 students with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than larger universities. However, the 10.78% four-year graduation rate reflects the campus's role as a stepping stone rather than a four-year destination. Students benefit from smaller class sizes while accessing Penn State's full range of academic programs. The campus particularly appeals to students who want the Penn State experience with more individualized support during their foundational years. Most students successfully transfer to complete bachelor's degrees at other Penn State campuses.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 10.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 11.4%
Retention Rate: 77.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State York sits in south-central Pennsylvania, about 30 miles from Harrisburg and 100 miles from Philadelphia. The 668-student campus operates on a semester system with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that creates an intimate learning environment. Men make up 63% of the student body, creating a male-heavy atmosphere uncommon at most colleges.

York's continental climate means students need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-ins. The suburban setting offers typical mid-Atlantic weather with four distinct seasons. Most students commute rather than live on campus, as this regional Penn State branch primarily serves local students completing their first two years before transferring. With only 6 varsity sports and 98 total athletes, the campus lacks the traditional college sports culture of main Penn State. Students often head to nearby shopping centers or make weekend trips to Harrisburg for entertainment. The 77% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the smaller scale before potentially moving to University Park's massive campus.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–40°F
July Avg: 63°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.9"
Annual Snowfall: 25.0"

Student Demographics

Penn State York draws a predominantly male student body that reflects its role as a regional feeder campus. Men make up nearly two-thirds of the 668 students enrolled. The campus serves a diverse mix of students, with about 63% being white and significant Hispanic and Black populations. More than a quarter receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts working-class families from south-central Pennsylvania. The gender split likely stems from students pursuing engineering and business programs before transferring to University Park. This creates a practical, career-focused environment where local students can start their Penn State journey close to home.

Men: 63.2%
Women: 36.8%
White: 62.7%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic: 11.5%
Asian: 6.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.9%

Location

Penn State York sits in York, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Harrisburg and 25 miles north of the Maryland border. The campus serves 668 students in south-central Pennsylvania's rolling farmland and historic communities. York itself is a mid-sized city known for its manufacturing heritage and proximity to both Baltimore and Philadelphia, each roughly 90 minutes away. The suburban setting offers small-town accessibility while staying connected to larger metropolitan areas. Students get a classic Penn State education in a more intimate environment than the massive University Park campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the personalized attention possible at this regional location. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State York with similar schools in the region.

Address: York, Pennsylvania 17403-3326

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 York?

Penn State York accepts 92.87% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking entry into the Penn State system. The average SAT score is 1195, with most admitted students scoring between 1090 and 1300. This regional campus serves as a gateway for students who want to start their Penn State journey in a smaller setting before potentially transferring to University Park.

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

Students pay an average net price of $18,922 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $15,180 while out-of-state students pay $25,118 before financial assistance. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What makes the academics unique at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York?

The campus maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 668 total students, creating an intimate learning environment. This regional campus specializes in offering the first two years of many Penn State programs before students transfer to complete their degrees elsewhere. The small size allows for more personalized attention than students typically receive at larger Penn State campuses.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 10.78%, reflecting the campus's role as a transfer-focused institution rather than a four-year destination. However, graduates achieve strong employment outcomes with a 95.7% employment rate and median earnings of $63,435 ten years after graduation. The 77.42% retention rate shows most students successfully complete their first year before moving on in the Penn State system.

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

The campus sits in York, Pennsylvania, a mid-size suburban setting that provides a quieter alternative to University Park's bustling atmosphere. With 668 students, the campus offers 6 varsity sports programs involving 98 total athletes. The student body is 63% male and 37% female, creating a close-knit community where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers.

How does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York serve as a pathway to other Penn State campuses?

Penn State York functions as a strategic entry point into the broader Penn State system, offering smaller class sizes for foundational coursework. Students typically complete their first two years here before transferring to University Park or other Penn State campuses to finish their degrees. This model allows students to experience Penn State's academic standards while benefiting from more individualized attention during their transition to college-level work.