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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

University Park, PA | Public | University

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, average net price of $19,550, and a national rank of #1294 (Grade C+), with a 34.2% six-year graduation rate, 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.

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. Students most often pursue health and life sciences.

Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 58.7%, roughly 8.8 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

C+
Ranking
#1294 of 6,119
How We Rank Schools Public school option
At a Glance
Ranking
#1294 of 6,119 (Top 21.1%)
Tuition
Not reported
Net Price
$19,550
Acceptance Rate
91.1%
Transfer Rate
1.2%
Student Population
Not reported
Student-Faculty
16:1
Graduation Rate
34.2%
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$55,620
ROI
58.7%

Who is Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1294 of 6,119
Top 21.1% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
25.1 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
1.26 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
C
#1,463 of 6,119
Affordability
B-
#907 of 6,119
Support
C+
#1,398 of 6,119
Career Outcomes
B+
#250 of 6,119

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus graduates 34.2% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$16,372-$26,078 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Challenging
34.2% finish within six years. 19.7% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
87.7% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $55,620. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$110,712
$27,678 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$94,722
$19,550 × 4.8 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.8 years | 4-Year Rate: 19.7% | 6-Year Rate: 34.2%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 19.7% and six-year completion is 34.2%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$27,678
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$19,550
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

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 Not reported
Books and Supplies Not reported
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $27,678

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

Pell Grant
0.0%
Federal Loan
0.0%

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: Only 0.0% of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.

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.

$0 - $30,000
$16,372
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$17,144
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$19,337
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$23,852
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$26,078
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,372 to $26,078 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$73,674
$30K-$48K families
~$77,148
$48K-$75K families
~$87,016
$75K-$110K families
~$107,334
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,852/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,078/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
58.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $55,620
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $55,620
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
  • Average Student Debt $19,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.9%
  • Employment Rate 87.7%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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.

Graduates earn a median of $55,620 six years after enrollment — roughly 27% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.70 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Pennsylvania State University-World Campus graduates earn $55,620 median six years after enrollment, +27% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
91.1%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-680
  • SAT Math 530-655
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 26-32
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 0
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate 34.2%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1

How to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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 91.1%, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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 91.1% acceptance rate, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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 1090 and 1335 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Program data for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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-World Campus. 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-World Campus. 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 0
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 0.0%
  • Female Students 0.0%
  • Caucasian 62.7%
  • Asian 5.6%
  • Hispanic 13.6%
  • Black 8.7%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus'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-World Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
44.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
23.2 pts
equity gap to monitor

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-World Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Pennsylvania State University-World Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
44.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
23.2 pts
equity gap to monitor

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-World Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1294 nationally with a 58.7% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $19,550 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,620 median earnings. The 34.2% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 65.8% retention suggests adequate student support.

University Value: Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's Strengths

Ranked #1294 with a C+ grade, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Universitys like Pennsylvania State University-World Campus excel at providing affordable education ($19,550 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-World Campus's 65.8% retention and 34.2% 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-World Campus's 58.7% ROI and $19,550 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 34.2% six-year graduation rate sits 28.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 65.8% first-year retention is 11.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 58.7% return on investment is 8.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $55,620 run about 27% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $19,550 is roughly $2,124 higher than the national median of $17,426.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 65.8% 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.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $19,550 is about $2,124 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • 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

Located in University Park, PA, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus operates as a public university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It appears at #1294 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, 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.

The six-year graduation rate hovers around 34.2%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 58.7%, 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 $19,550 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,678.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,128 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

Pell Grant participation data is not reported.

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.

Employment outcomes report about 87.7% of alumni working within three years.

The ROI comes in near 58.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

91.1% 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-World Campus 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.

EDsmart Verdict
1.26 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Pennsylvania State University-World Campus stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Website →

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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine
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C+ #1260 of 6,119
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA
C+ #1259 of 6,119

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's acceptance rate?

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's acceptance rate is 91.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-World Campus cost?

At Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, the average net price after aid is $19,550. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's ranking?

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus ranks #1294 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's graduation rate?

At Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, the six-year graduation rate is 34.2%.

What are Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's job outcomes?

Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus report median earnings of $55,620 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
  • Endowment$66.4M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate1.2%

Data Source & Methodology