Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Pennsylvania State University
Part of the Penn State family, Penn State Altoona pairs a close-knit campus with the reach of a major university. It's known for strong teaching across the sciences, engineering foundations, business, and the arts and humanities. Contemporary labs and studios, a well used library, residence halls, and a bright rec center anchor daily life, backed by advising, tutoring, counseling, and career coaching that feels practical and accessible.
Student life runs lively but welcoming: clubs and performances, student media, volunteer crews, and plenty of outdoor time on nearby hills and water. The culture skews friendly, down to earth, and proud of blue and white traditions, including the universitywide dance marathon and service days. Career prep grows through internships, undergraduate research with faculty, and connections across the Penn State network and the small-city community's local employers, coffee shops, and parks. It feels neighborly, in a good way.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona offers 28 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 307 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (2 programs, 61 graduates), Business (4 programs, 51 graduates), Computer & IT (2 programs, 28 graduates), Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 26 graduates) and Education (1 programs, 21 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (2 programs, 61 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Nursing Administration | 59 |
|
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
51.3899 |
| Practical Nursing and Nursing Assistants | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
51.3999 |
Business (4 programs, 51 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 37 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Financial Planning and Services | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0804 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1399 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 28 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
11.1003 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0199 |
Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 26 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
15.0403 |
Education (1 programs, 21 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1206 |
Psychology (1 programs, 21 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 19 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 19 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
Engineering (2 programs, 13 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation Engineering | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
14.0804 |
| General Engineering | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
14.0101 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 13 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
19.0701 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 13 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona
How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona?
The annual tuition at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona is $15,944 for in-state students and $26,668 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $36,392 for in-state students and $47,116 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,820 (on) / $13,448 (off) and books and supplies $1,840.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona offer?
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona offers 28 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona has an 97.3% acceptance rate and a 12.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 7,134
- Students admitted: 6,942
- Students enrolled: 859
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona provides financial aid to 35% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,730 and average loans of $11,961.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,847
- State/Local grants: $4,612
- Institutional grants: $5,418
- Federal loans: $5,282
The university supports 574 students with grants and 554 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona graduates?
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona graduates earn a median salary of $55,620 after 6 years and $63,435 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $40,301 (25th percentile) to $93,790 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $94,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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