Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, 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.
$25,548
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$20,814
$30k - $48k
$22,051
$48k - $75k
$25,704
$75k - $110k
$29,852
$110k+
$31,896
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.
$19,835
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.
$38,651
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

Aid & Grants

0
100
62%
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.
23%
Average Aid Per Year
$8,678
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.
23%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,062
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$5,855
Students receiving state aid
21%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,343
Students receiving federal aid
23%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,062
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.
$135,714,272
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$55,045,937

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.
52%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,985
Students receiving federal loans
51%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,341
Average Other Loans Per Year
$18,593
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

The education is top notch, the experience is even better. Still the price tag is very steep. The only thing that holds back this school from absolute greatness is the steep price tag. Not to mention with government cuts the ticket is going to continue to rise because of new construction plans. Still with the proper financial aid and scholarships PSU is still the only choice for me. LETS GO STATE!!!
Eric from Winburne, PA
Yes, Penn State is very expensive. You will never find anyone who goes here denying that fact. However, with the level of Education that we receive, the facilities, the social life, the athletic department and that the reputation of our school world wide, I find it more than worth it. Not only do you receive a fantastic education with plenty of extracurriculars and opportunities for success, but you also are attending a school with the world's largest alumni association, and where the name of your school on a resume will hold a lot of weight. However, there is no denying that sometimes you have to question just WHY Penn State is so expensive. Its a double edged sword, but I find it worth it.
Caitlyn from State College, PA
A downside is the cost of PSU. It is one of the most expensive state schools I have seen, especially if you are like me and pay out of state tuition. But like I said this school is amazing and I would not want to go anywhere else. The campus is beautiful, the technology and facilities are always well kept and clean. Help and tutoring is always available, and the campus is always safe. If you have a problem paying for school, there are many scholarships you can apply for.
Jen from Newww Yorkkk
I think it was a little too pricey to be honest.
Michelle
I'm an in-state student so I don't have to pay as much as out-of-state kids that I know, but they have said to me the same thing I feel. Penn State is worth the extra money. It's a top notch university but it's got a little bit of everything else too. Penn State is extremely well rounded and has something for everyone. If you're not into the whole football scene, the drama department is amazing, the amount of THON groups you can join is innumerable and the number other activities you can join is seriously in the 700s. Penn State is never a dull place to be and if you ever get bored, you must be trying really hard.
Meghan from Downingtown, PA
We all know that staying at PSU is actually really expensive. Not Harvard expensive, but getting there. Some people may not have the money to pay for it, but there are alot of things you can do to keep the cost down. Live in supplemental housing instead of double rooms, have a smaller meal plan, don't spend so much money on things you do not need. For example, buying clothes while at school. Most of the stores are really expensive and nine times out of ten, you will be able to find the same thing at the mall at home for wayyyyy cheaper. Also get loans, grants, and scholarships. As many as you can to lighten the load, because at the end of the day it is soooo worth it. :)
Ashley from Silver Spring, MD
It is expensive even while paying in-state tuition; however, there are so many resources and free activities available to anyone who seeks them out. It really is all about getting involved and taking advantage of what your money gets you at Penn State. Free movie showings are offered every weekend at the HUB, you can check out very expensive objects such as laptops or cameras for free, weekly concerts are shown for free, and much more. It's all about being out and about and enjoying the university.
Ashley from Shohola, PA
As I said before, the experience is what you make if it. I've been a part of some pretty incredible things here, so I'd say it's definitely worth the cost. Other universities might be less expensive, but they don't afford you all the opportunities Penn State does. I'm not even out of school yet and the alumni network has already helped me out time and time again, which is an invaluable asset.
Jacob from Bellefonte, PA
Yes it is! Service here is very friendly and you get fair treatment for anything you could imagine. Facilities this school provides are at the very best condition. The gym, the bus, the classroom, the computer labs, the science labs, library.... basically everything!!!
Abdul Aziz from Malaysia