Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is a public university in York, PA ranked #1330 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 668 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.4%. Students most often pursue health and life sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.8% first-year retention, and 16.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $19,047, about $2,049 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -27.0%, roughly 112.3 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 well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York has an acceptance rate of 97.4%, annual tuition of $15,208, average net price of $19,047, and a national rank of #1330 (Grade B-), with a 16.3% six-year graduation rate, about 668 undergraduates, and median earnings of $55,620 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 York graduates 16.3% of students within six years and keeps 76.8% 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 York'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 | $15,208 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,826 |
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 30.2% of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York students receive Pell Grants — slightly below 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 $11,582 to $24,411 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,054/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,411/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 York 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 York vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York graduates earn $55,620 median, the -27.0% 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 530-620
- SAT Math 520-625
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 668
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.8%
- Graduation Rate 16.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 97.4%, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 97.4% acceptance rate, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 1050 and 1245 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Program data for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 York. 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 York. 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 668
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 62.0%
- Female Students 38.0%
- Caucasian 64.4%
- Asian 5.4%
- Hispanic 11.5%
- Black 8.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York'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 York support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 York, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 62.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 York, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1330 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,047 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,620 median earnings. The 16.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's Strengths
Ranked #1330 with a B- grade, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York excel at providing affordable education ($19,047 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 York's 76.8% retention and 16.3% 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 York and $19,047 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 16.3% six-year graduation rate sits 46.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.8% first-year retention is 0.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -27.0% return on investment is 112.3 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 $19,047 is roughly $1,650 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.8% 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.
- Average net price of $19,047 is about $1,650 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 30.2% trails the national share by 8.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is a public university based in York, PA and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1330 national ranking Completion earns 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.
About 76.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 16.3% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -27.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $19,047 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,826.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,779 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.2% 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.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.7%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -27.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.4% 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 York 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's acceptance rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's acceptance rate is 97.4%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York cost?
At Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York, listed tuition and fees are $15,208 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,047. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's ranking?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York ranks #1330 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's graduation rate?
At Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York, the six-year graduation rate is 16.3%, and first-year retention is 76.8%.
What are Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's job outcomes?
Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York report median earnings of $55,620 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York's student population?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York enrolls about 668 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address York, PA 17403-3326
- Website york.psu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$14.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate49.2%