By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

The Pennsylvania State University, known as Penn State, is highly ranked for both its undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in the area of entrepreneurship. In-state tuition for the 2023-24 school year at Penn State was $20,234. That’s almost twice the average for public four-year universities at $11,260 per year. Many students take out student loans to help with Penn State tuition.

Recommended: Pennsylvania Student Loan & Scholarship Information

Financial Aid

If you’re concerned that you might not be accepted to Penn State because you don’t have the money to attend, don’t be. Penn State is “need-blind,” meaning your ability to cover tuition isn’t considered when the school reviews your application. Anyone, regardless of income and financial situation, can apply.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Among incoming Penn State freshmen, 44% take out federal student loans, while 15% take out private loans. The average private student loan is $26,372.

Private college loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms. Additionally, understanding how to pay off student loans effectively can help you make informed decisions about managing both federal and private loan debt.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The cost of attending Penn State for four years, including tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses, is $159,568 for in-state students. Compare that to the total average cost for a four-year public university for in-state students of $115,360.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Students spent $22,074 for in-state tuition and $42,028 for Penn State out-of-state tuition for the 2023-24 school year. In addition to Penn State tuition, they also paid $13,030 for room and meals.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Penn State tuition for graduate school in 2023-24 was $25,518 for in-state students and $43,828 for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition for graduate school at a public institution is $10,320. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

💡 Quick Tip: Graduate student loans can help cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.

Cost per Credit Hour

While you have the option to attend Penn State full-time (at the Penn State tuition rates we’ve covered), you also can opt to attend part-time. In that case, you would pay per credit hour, which is $820 per credit for in-state freshmen and sophomores.

Campus Housing Expenses

On-campus housing is provided at 12 of the 20 campuses of Penn State. First-year students at University Park are required to live on campus and are guaranteed housing.

Students may also opt for private housing near campus. Student Affairs has a website for Off-Campus Student Support where you can view apartments near your campus. Check it out to explore the available off-campus options .

Penn State Acceptance Rate

When it comes to the Penn State acceptance rate, over half of all students who apply are accepted.

Admission Requirements

Now that you know the Penn State acceptance rate, it’s important to understand what’s needed for admission. To be accepted as a student at Penn State, there are a couple of requirements, and then there are additional recommendations.

Required:

•  Secondary school GPA

•  Secondary school record

Recommended:

•  Admission test scores (SAT/ACT)

•  Completion of college-preparatory program

•  Personal statement or essay

SAT and ACT Scores

Currently, Penn State is test-optional through at least fall 2025. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores but are not required to. Even though submitting test scores for admissions is optional, here are the median scores for the SAT and ACT:

Popular Majors at Penn State

Penn State offers students more than 275 majors to choose from on its 20 undergraduate campuses. Here are the most popular, as well as how many students graduated in each field with an undergraduate degree in 2022-23.

1. Finance

Considering a degree in finance? At Penn State, finance grads are armed with important knowledge to prepare them for careers in corporate finance, investment and portfolio management, banking, public finance, and international finance.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 557

2. Information Science/Studies

This is one of the most popular programs at Penn State. Students are trained with skills that will prepare them for careers in information technologies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 489

3. Psychology

Psychology students learn psychology theories, concepts, and trends, and use critical thinking to problem solve.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 446

4. Computer and Information Systems

For students interested in the field of technology, this Penn State major provides the foundation for a successful career. Undergrads study programming, systems analysis and design, and network management.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 382

5. Mechanical Engineering

The mechanical engineering program uses a foundation of chemistry, math, and physics, and teaches students to analyze and problem solve.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 374

6. Marketing

Many Penn State students also pursue marketing careers upon graduating. The marketing program trains students to develop products and services, create marketing plans, and understand marketing needs.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 361

7. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Students develop an understanding of the role and effect of advertising and public relations within the business, social, and political arenas.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 349

8. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

For students interested in medical careers, a degree in biology is a stepping stone. Courses include ecology, evolution, and behavior; genetics and development biology; and medical technology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 341

9. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

Another popular major is economics. Students learn about different economic systems, governments, and business operations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 335

10. Accounting

Those interested in becoming accountants or auditors may benefit from studying accounting at Penn State.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 218

This resource can help you learn more about the different majors at Penn State.

Graduation Rate

Penn State’s graduation rate has risen in recent years. Here is the graduation rate of students who began their studies in 2017: 86%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Upon graduation, students from Penn State earn, on average, $63,000, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. This is just below the average salary for the class of 2024 of $68,516.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Northeastern University is known for its Cooperative Education Program, which combines classroom learning and experiences to prepare students for careers in many fields. But access to this co-op style of learning doesn’t come cheap: In 2023-24, Northeastern University tuition was $63,141. Contrast this against the average cost of tuition for a private four-year institution in the U.S. of $41,450. The good news is that student loans and scholarships can make this price tag easier to swallow.

Financial Aid

Approximately 80% of new students receive some sort of financial aid, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Northeastern is need-aware for international students only, meaning international students who have financial needs will still be considered during the application process.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

While 38% of Northeastern students take out federal loans to help pay for Northeastern tuition, just 6% take out private student loans. The average amount borrowed with private loans is $32,680.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

When considering colleges, it’s wise to look at the full “cost of attendance” for four years of education, which includes fees and room and board. The average cost for a four-year degree at a private school in the U.S., according to CollegeData.com, is $241,680. At Northeastern, that number is $338,924, based on 2023-24 rates.

Here’s some Massachusetts Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, students at Northeastern paid $63,141 for tuition and fees and $18,790 for room and board, for a total of $84,731 for the year. Here’s some helpful student loan and scholarship information to help you explore options for paying for Northeastern tuition.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition for graduate school at Northeastern University was $27,728 for the 2023-24 school year, with an additional $372 in fees. That makes the total for graduate school $28,100. This is higher than the average annual cost of graduate school in the United States, which is $21,730 per year. There are graduate loans that can help you cover these costs.

Cost Per Credit Hour

If you opt to attend Northeastern on a part-time basis, you won’t pay the full-time tuition we’ve discussed. you’ll pay about $2,031 per credit hour, based on 2024-25 pricing.

Campus Housing Expenses

First- and second-year students are required to live on campus at Northeastern. Most rooms are double or triple occupancy, though there are limited single rooms. Third-year and beyond students can opt to live off-campus. Northeastern has a site where students can find housing at reasonable rates. Keep in mind you may be required to sign a 12-month lease, even if the school semester is shorter.

Find out more about the university’s housing options.

Northeastern University Acceptance Rate

With 5,797 students accepted out of the 96,631 that applied, the Northeastern acceptance rate is at an all-time low of 6% (down from last year’s 6.8%).

Admission Requirements

To be accepted as a student at Northeastern University, there are certain requirements and documentation that must come with your application.

Required:

•  Secondary GPA, school report, and transcripts

•  Recommendations

•  Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, with a decision given by January 1. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 1, with a decision by March 1. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1, with a decision given by April 1. You can apply to Northeastern here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Through 2026, Northeastern will not require SAT or ACT scores to be submitted with applications.

However, you may want to compare your test scores with those in the 25th and 75th percentile:

Popular Majors at Northeastern University

Northeastern offers more than 90 majors and areas of concentration to choose from. Here are some of the most popular.

1. Business

Northeastern offers many degrees in business, including those that partner business administration with communication studies, design, economics, health science, mathematics, political science, psychology, computer science, and cybersecurity, among others.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 957

2. Computer and Information Sciences

Northeastern offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in computer science. The BS focuses on the technical aspects of the field of study, while the BA offers more flexibility for electives.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 556

3. Mechanical Engineering

You can opt to study mechanical engineering, or you can combine a solid foundation in the subject, combined with materials science, history, physics, or design.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 229

4. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics

Students at Northeastern have the option to earn either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in economics. The BA offers six core courses in economics and liberal arts courses in economic literature, economic history, the history of economic thought, and political economy. The BS covers economic development, game theory, and mathematical economics, as well as mathematics and computer science courses.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 155

5. Biology

Students of biology explore the processes of life, from molecules and cells through organs and organ systems to populations, ecosystems, and evolution.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 134

6. Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates in the health sciences program go on to have a variety of careers in the health and medical fields. Coursework includes studying the natural sciences, social sciences, and the liberal arts, as well as public health and health care.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 130

7. Computer Engineering

Computer engineering students learn both theory and practice when it comes to hardware and software design. They also learn about computer organization and architecture, computer networks, computer-aided design, programming languages, and optimization theory.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 130

8. Neuroscience

Students can opt to major in behavioral neuroscience, or combine that with design, philosophy, computer science, or data science.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 124

9. Nursing

Northeastern offers a Bachelor of Science in nursing, as well as accelerated programs. These programs prepare students to become nurses in a variety of fields, and there is a great demand for these professionals right now.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 111

10. International Business

If traveling abroad appeals to you, Northeastern offers a bachelor’s degree in international business. You’ll have the opportunity to study in another country as well as get work experience abroad.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 79

To find out more about Northeastern’s academic programs, use this resource .

Graduation Rate

So how many students actually graduate from Northeastern? A high percentage, actually. For students who started in 2017, the 6-year graduation rate is 90%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Students graduating from Northeastern make significantly more than the average for private four-year school students, which is $68,516. Instead, Northeastern students make, on average, $93,000 a year.