Altoona, Berks, Erie and Harrisburg: Breakout of Graduate Expenses
Full-Time Graduate Tuition Estimates
| MBA/INFSY at Erie & Harrisburg | $31,100 |
| Business, Science, IST & Engineering | $27,200 |
| All other programs | $25,900 |
Tuition estimates include an additional $600 for the annual cost of the student-initiated fees.
Tuition estimates listed above are based on the minimum number of credits required by the Department of Homeland Security to maintain full-time student status, (9 Credits), unless otherwise noted. Scheduling more than the minimum number of credits may increase your tuition charges. The figures provided here are estimates only. Tuition charges are set immediately preceding each academic year and can be seen on the Bursar's website.
NOTE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS: If your program requires or if you choose to enroll for more credits than the minimum required for F-1 full-time enrollment, you must recalculate the tuition and fees because they may be higher than what is listed here.
Graduate Assistants/Fellows:
If your assistantship or fellowship award includes tuition and discounted insurance, ISSA will consider you fully funded ONLY if the stipend combined with any assistantship/fellowship award is greater than your estimated living costs plus your portion, (20%) of the medical insurance, or $22,000. To calculate your financial guarantee requirement, subtract your annual stipend amount from $22.000. You are required to show proof of personal funds for any difference.
If you are traveling with dependents, stipends are typically not sufficient to cover dependents' expenses and are not intended to do so. Graduate assistant spouse dependent expense are $7,100 (including $1,050 for insurance). Graduate Assistant child dependent expenses are $4,600 for the first child, $4,600 for the second child and $3,500 for each additional child. This information is subject to change, and includes estimates only for the purpose of issuing visa eligibility documents. Contact uhs-insurance@psu.edu for the most accurate insurance information.
Living Expenses
We estimate living expenses for the academic year (fall and spring) to be $20,700 for a graduate student. This includes approximately $1,200 for books, course materials, supplies, and equipment.
Figures are provided by the Office of Student Aid for the current academic year and are estimates only. The $20,700 estimate includes amounts for room, food, clothing, laundry, personal care items, local transportation, and so on.
Mandatory Health Insurance
The estimated insurance rate of $4,200 for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 academic year was provided by the Student Insurance Office, using actual amounts as possible. Actual rates will be posted on the Student Health Insurance website closer to the start of each fall semester.
More information about the Insurance Mandate
Bringing a Spouse or Child
If you will be accompanied by dependents, you will be fully responsible for their support and additional funds are required. Health insurance is mandatory for all accompanying dependents. The high cost of childcare for pre-school children (ages 0-6 years) is not included in the child expenses figures. Child insurance expenses are estimated at $4,200 per child per year with a maximum of $8,200 for 3 or more children.
| Additional Spouse Expenses | $6,000 Living | $4,200 Mandatory Insurance | $10,200 Total Additional Funds |
| Additional First Child Expenses | $3,500 Living | $4,200 Mandatory Insurance | $7,700 Total Additional Funds |
| Additional Second Child Expenses | $3,500 Living | $4,200 Mandatory Insurance | $7,700 Total Additional Funds |
| Each Additional Child | $3,500 Living | $3,500 Total for each additional child |
