Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington is a public university in Abington, PA ranked #1106 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 2,877 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.8%. Students most often pursue STEM innovation.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.2% first-year retention, and 19.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,071, about $1,073 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -23.1%, roughly 108.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,620. That's about $11,932 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates 19.8% of students within six years and keeps 77.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,268 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,474 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,020 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,795 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.8% of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,629 to $25,785 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,249/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,785/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,620
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,620
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.9%
- Employment Rate 87.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington graduates earn $55,620 median, the -23.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-635
- SAT Math 530-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,877
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.2%
- Graduation Rate 19.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.8%, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.8% acceptance rate, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070 and 1265 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Program data for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington is not available. Please contact the school directly for information about their academic programs.
- College Scorecard does not publish a program mix for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington. Use the school catalog or admissions office for current offerings. —
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,877
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.4%
- Female Students 41.6%
- Caucasian 44.2%
- Asian 18.4%
- Hispanic 12.8%
- Black 12.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington has a diverse student body, with 44.2% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1106 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,071 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,620 median earnings. The 19.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's Strengths
Ranked #1106 with a B- grade, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington excel at providing affordable education ($18,071 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington's 77.2% retention and 19.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($55,620 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington and $18,071 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 19.8% six-year graduation rate sits 42.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.2% first-year retention is 0.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -23.1% return on investment is 108.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,620 run about 27% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,071 is roughly $1,946 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.7% employment rate within three years sits 19.5 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington is a public university based in Abington, PA and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1106 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 77.2% retention and 19.8% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -23.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,071 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,795.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,724 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $55,620 six years after entry. That sits about 27% above the national median.
Roughly 87.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -23.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Abington, PA 19001-3918
- Website abington.psu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$43.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate39.0%