Penn State Cost: Average Fees Explained
Total cost of attendance per year
$39,694
Pennsylvania State University lists a total cost of attendance of $39,694 a year, covering tuition and fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses. After grants and scholarships, students who receive federal aid pay an average net price of $32,875 a year.
Pennsylvania State University cost breakdown
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees (in-state) | $20,644 |
| Tuition and fees (out-of-state) | $41,790 |
| Housing and food (on campus) | $14,474 |
| Books and supplies | $1,200 |
| Other expenses (on campus) | $5,020 |
| Total cost of attendance | $39,694 |
The total uses in-state tuition. Housing and food off campus: $15,274 a year. Figures are the school’s published budget for one academic year, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
As a public school, Pennsylvania State University charges Pennsylvania residents $20,644 a year in tuition and fees. Students from other states pay $41,790, which is $21,146 more each year.
What students actually pay
Few students pay the full sticker price. At Pennsylvania State University, the average net price of $32,875 is $6,819 less than the listed cost of attendance. The amount depends heavily on family income: about $19,845 a year for families earning under $30,000, and $37,831 for families earning more than $110,000.
Net price is what remains after grants and scholarships, before loans. Use the school’s net price calculator for an estimate based on your own finances.
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | $19,845 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $20,049 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,667 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $31,834 |
| $110,001 and up | $37,831 |
Average yearly cost after grants and scholarships for full-time, first-time undergraduates who received federal financial aid. In-state students only. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Debt, earnings and admissions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $63,435 |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Admission rate | 61% |
Debt covers federal loans of students who completed. Earnings are for former students who received federal aid. The graduation rate counts first-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Frequently asked questions
How much is tuition at Pennsylvania State University?
Tuition and fees are $20,644 a year for in-state students and $41,790 for out-of-state students.
How much does Pennsylvania State University cost for four years?
At the current cost of attendance of $39,694 a year, four years would come to about $158,776 before financial aid. Actual totals are usually higher because schools raise prices most years.
What is the average net price at Pennsylvania State University?
Students who receive federal aid pay an average of $32,875 a year after grants and scholarships.