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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, PA · City · 2,367 students
WebsiteScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$22,213
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
17%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
$63,435
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
98%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is best known for delivering a close-knit, supportive environment with the prestigious degree and resources of a major research institution, frequently serving as a popular starting point for the university’s flexible "2+2" program. Academically, the college stands out for its highly respected programs in nursing, business, and its distinctive, hands-on Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) major. The student experience is defined by a vibrant campus culture featuring NCAA Division III athletics, over 60 student organizations, and an active residential community. What truly sets the school apart is its unique dual-campus layout, which seamlessly connects the scenic, historic Ivyside campus with a revitalized downtown center to offer students a dynamic mix of traditional collegiate life and urban community integration.

Wikipedia:Penn State Altoona is a public satellite campus of Pennsylvania State University located in Logan Township, Pennsylvania. It is one of four four-year institutions in the university's Commonwealth Campus network. The full-time student count was 2,577 in 2023.

Location
Altoona, PA, 16601-3777 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PIT · Pittsburgh
96 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$15,972$26,958
Housing & food (on campus)$14,474$14,474
Books & supplies$1,200$1,200
Cost of attendance$32,559$43,545 est.
Average net price$22,213Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$26,958
In-state: $15,972
Housing & food (on campus)$14,474
Books & supplies$1,200
Cost of attendance$43,545 est.
In-state: $32,559
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $22,213
est. = the in-state cost of attendance with out-of-state tuition swapped in; no out-of-state figure is published.
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$16,017
$30–48k
$16,546
$48–75k
$19,464
$75–110k
$23,562
$110k+
$28,263
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
17%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
12%
Back for yr 2
80%
Transferred
46%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
15% graduated · 70% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 14% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$55,620
10 yrs after entry$63,435
Debt
Median at graduation$25,000
Monthly payment$265
Middle 50% owe$8.8k–$27k
90th percentile$34,000
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
98%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1187
R 530–650 · M 540–640
SAT middle 50%: 1070–1290
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 54%Women 46%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
29%
First-gen
29%
Family income
$61,924
Independent
20%
Veterans
0%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
2%
Race & ethnicity
White
68%
Hispanic
10%
Black
8%
Asian
5%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
5%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III without football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$55,620
After 10 yrs
$63,435
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing72
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians32
Business/Commerce, General27
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods25
Criminal Justice and Corrections16
Psychology, General14
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness12
Accounting and Related Services11
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services10
Communication and Media Studies9
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management9
Natural Resources Conservation and Research8
Civil Engineering8
Biology, General7
Computer and Information Sciences, General5
History5
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$46M
Full-time faculty
77%
Faculty salary
$9,491/mo
Teaching spend
$3,624
per student
Federal loans
54%

Wondering if Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the right fit for you?

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