Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Penn State Harrisburg is a public campus of Pennsylvania State University in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Located near the state capital, it serves a mix of commuter and residential students pursuing degrees across multiple disciplines.
Founded
1966
Location
Middletown, Pennsylvania
Students
4,462
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
97.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
26.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,972
Out-of-state: $26,958
Avg Net Price
$23,330
After financial aid
SAT Average
1227
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 Harrisburg accepts the majority of applicants at 97.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1227/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
26.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.1%
4-Year Grad
17%
6-Year Grad
29%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
59.8%
$/Student
$3.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 17% graduation rate is below average, but 82.1% 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
$32,521
After Financial Aid
$23,330
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,219
Receive Grants
26.1%
Take Loans
41.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,521/yr for in-state students, including $14,474 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $23,330. 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 Harrisburg fund their education.
While in School
26.1%
Get Grants
Free money
41.5%
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 Harrisburg.
Gender
40.4%
Female
60%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,031
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
431
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 28.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 14.1% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,031
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 Harrisburg fields 11 varsity teams with 326 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
United East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
326
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
177
Men
149
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
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 Harrisburgearn, 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
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Civil Engineering
$68K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$84K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$75K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Information Science/Studies
$66K
40 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 Harrisburg
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?▾
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?▾
How much do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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.