Public Institution

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, Pennsylvania

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Annual Tuition $15,944

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 97.3%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,412

Active Students

Avg. Salary $63,435

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Altoona, Pennsylvania
Institution type Public
Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona stands as a pillar of higher education in Altoona, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,412 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
22.9%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
13%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
10.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Education
7.9%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 97.3%
Difficulty Low

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona maintains an acceptance rate of 97.3%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 53.9%
Women Enrollment 46.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 530 - 630
SAT Mathematics 520 - 630
ACT English 20 - 25
ACT Mathematics 18 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $15,944
Out-of-State Tuition $26,668

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 25.8%
Median Student Debt $25,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $15,944, graduates see a median starting salary of $63,435, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Pennsylvania.

What salary can Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $63,435

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 17.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $24,704
Median Salary (6yr) $55,620
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona in Altoona?

2,412 Students

Gender Comparison

53.9% Men
46.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

77.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
4.3%
Black
6.4%
White
72.4%
Unknown
0.9%
Hispanic
7.8%
Two or More Races
3.5%
International
4.6%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 28.8%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 47.4%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 7.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 25%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $63,381
Average Family Income $82,495
Median Family Income $61,924

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

49.7%
50.3%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Altoona Campus Environment

Located at 3000 Ivyside Park, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Pennsylvania. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona compare?

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Common Questions about Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona a good college in Altoona, Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a recognized institution in Altoona with an enrollment of 2,412 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Pennsylvania based on Department of Education data.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $63,435. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona cost for Pennsylvania residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is approximately $15,944. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $26,668. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 47.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $63,435, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona earn a median salary of $63,435 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona a good investment compared to other PA colleges?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona stands out as a high-value investment in Pennsylvania. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona located and what is the campus like?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is located at 3000 Ivyside Park in Altoona, PA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,412 learners.
Who typically attends Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA?
The student body at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 28.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Pennsylvania

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona with other leading institutions in Pennsylvania across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
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P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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