Pennsylvania State University-Altoona
Altoona, PA, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$24,274
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$18,431
$30k - $48k
$19,096
$48k - $75k
$22,505
$75k - $110k
$27,436
$110k+
$28,714
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$15,904
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$26,370
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$12,984
Books and Supplies
$1,840
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
60%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
30%
Average Aid Per Year
$7,821
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
30%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,958
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$4,550
Students receiving state aid
29%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,296
Students receiving federal aid
30%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,958
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$12,277,230
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$1,410,752

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
65%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,127
Students receiving federal loans
64%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,372
Average Other Loans Per Year
$14,971
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Loan Default Rate
6%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$247

What Students Are Saying

Yes of course you have to pay for your books; don't buy them from the book store though. Get them off of half.com you'll save atleast 300 dollars.
Kristen from Altoona, PA
I am definitely getting my moneys worth on this campus. No matter what college you attend, it is going to be expensive so you might as well make it worth it wherever you go! I know that it sucks whenever it comes time to pay your tuition bill, but this school is definitely worth it all.
Rachel from Wellsboro, PA
SO many great trips, clubs, sports, the gym is free, computer lab is free with your Student Activity Fee. You really get your money's worth here! I didn't at my first school, so I know first hand if I am getting ripped or not. Not here at PSUA!
Marianna from Johnstown, PA
This campus being a smaller campus of Penn State University is cheaper than University Park. The knowledge you will get here will definitely help for a career or for when you may go to University Park for your last two years. Penn State Altoona offers a couple majors all four years here without going to UP. Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology is an amazing program and only offered at this campus.
Zachary from Altoona, PA
I feel going to altoona is a huge honor. You are paying less than campus and will end up with a Penn state degree which is a school that known world wide.
Karl from Milford, NJ
great education from a world leading university
Melissa from State College, PA
altoona penn state campus is a good step to go to after high school, its gives you the taste of college life but not as overwhelming as main campus. its the first step in being an adult.
Brittaney from Easton, PA
at penn state altoona, i'm confident that i am getting a great education for my two years here. i feel much more comfortable transferring to state for my junior year. attending penn state altoona has helped me prepare for my advancement in my education. it was definitely the right choice to come here for 2 years before hitting university park.
Emma from Altoona, PA
penn state altoona offers everything a college student needs. the professors are helpful and typically know your name. we have a health services center on campus, for all your medical needs. opportunities such a internships and study abroad are always an option. career services will help you build your resume and prepare you for any interview. basically just lots of free resources for you.
Amanda from PA