Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Penn State Altoona is a public campus of Pennsylvania State University in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the Allegheny Mountains. It provides access to Penn State degrees in a smaller campus setting in central Pennsylvania.
Founded
1939
Location
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Students
2,367
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
16.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,972
Out-of-state: $26,958
Avg Net Price
$22,213
After financial aid
SAT Average
1187
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,435
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona accepts the majority of applicants at 98.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1187/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
16.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.5%
4-Year Grad
9%
6-Year Grad
14%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
76.9%
$/Student
$3.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 9% graduation rate is below average, but 79.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,972
In-State
$26,958
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,474
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,559
After Financial Aid
$22,213
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,017
Receive Grants
29.4%
Take Loans
53.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,559/yr for in-state students, including $14,474 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $22,213. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $26,958.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona fund their education.
While in School
29.4%
Get Grants
Free money
53.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,924
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $63K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
Gender
46.3%
Female
54%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,367
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
4.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (46% women, 54% men). 28.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,367
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona fields 9 varsity teams with 253 student athletes, about 11% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
Allegheny Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
253
11% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
144
Men
109
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,435
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
$65K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$45K
27 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$46K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$37K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
14 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $56K at six years, $51K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?▾
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?▾
How much do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.