Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, annual tuition of $15,356, average net price of $19,550, and a national rank of #1395 (Grade B-), with a 34.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 7,877 undergraduates, and median earnings of $76,659 four years after graduation. 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, and 19.7% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 80.9%, roughly 31.0 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
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
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus graduates 34.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 38.8% and keeps 19.7% 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-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
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 | $15,356 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| 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
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 31.4% of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 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 $16,372 to $26,078 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
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
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $76,659
- 10-Year Median Earnings $63,435
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- 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.
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 $76,659 median four years after graduation, +27% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-680
- SAT Math 530-655
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,877
- Full-Time Students 44.1%
- Part-Time Students 55.9%
- Retention Rate 19.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 34.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 38.8%
- 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 7,877
- Full-Time Students 44.1%
- Part-Time Students 55.9%
- Male Students 47.6%
- Female Students 52.4%
- Caucasian 62.7%
- Asian 5.6%
- Hispanic 13.6%
- Black 8.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.4%
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?
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?
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 #1395 nationally with a 80.9% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,550 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $76,659 median earnings. The 34.2% 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 #1395 with a B- 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% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($76,659 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's 80.9% 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% 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%.
- 80.9% return on investment is 31.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $76,659 run about 27% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,550 is roughly $529 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 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.
- Pell participation at 31.4% trails the national share by 3.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- 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 B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1395 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, Career Outcomes A-, 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.
65.8% of learners come back after year one while 34.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (38.8% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 80.9%, 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 $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.4% 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 $76,659 four years after graduation. 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 80.9%, 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
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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, listed tuition and fees are $15,356 per year, and 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 #1395 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-World Campus's graduation rate?
At Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 34.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 38.8%, and first-year retention is 19.7%.
What are Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's job outcomes?
Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus report median earnings of $76,659 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's student population?
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus enrolls about 7,877 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address University Park, PA 16802-1503
- Website worldcampus.psu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$66.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.2%