Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is a public campus of Pennsylvania State University in Erie, Pennsylvania. It offers the resources of the Penn State system in a smaller campus setting near Lake Erie.
Founded
1948
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Students
3,332
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
43.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,972
Out-of-state: $26,958
Avg Net Price
$24,558
After financial aid
SAT Average
1228
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 Erie-Behrend College accepts the majority of applicants at 96.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1228/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
43.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83.3%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
47%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
78.5%
$/Student
$4.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 83.3% 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
$34,081
After Financial Aid
$24,558
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,092
Receive Grants
28.9%
Take Loans
55.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $34,081/yr for in-state students, including $14,474 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $24,558. 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 Erie-Behrend College fund their education.
While in School
28.9%
Get Grants
Free money
55.5%
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 Erie-Behrend College.
Gender
37.6%
Female
62%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,240
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
92
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
4.3%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 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
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
3,240
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
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College fields 14 varsity teams with 525 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Allegheny Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track and Field (Indoor)
Student Athletes
525
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
318
Men
207
Women
12
Men's Teams
12
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 Erie-Behrend Collegeearn, 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 6Mechanical Engineering
$70K
67 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$69K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
37 grads
1yr Earnings
Polymer/Plastics Engineering
$68K
36 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 Erie-Behrend College
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College?▾
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College?▾
How much do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College 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.