Commonwealth Campuses: Breakout of Undergraduate Expenses

Penn State is a public university that receives some funding from the government and from taxpayers. There is, at this time, essentially no financial aid available for international undergraduate students.  U.S. Citizenship or legal permanent residency is a requirement for federal funds; Pennsylvania residency is a further requirement for state funds.

Tuition estimates include an additional $2,100 in Undergraduate Fees including annual amounts for student fees and international fees.

The tuition estimates listed below are based on the minimum number of credits required by the Department of Homeland Security to maintain full-time student status (12 Credits). Scheduling more than the minimum number of credits may increase your tuition charges. The figures provided here are estimates only.

The upper division tuition rate will apply to undergraduate students with a minimum of 59.1 credits, regardless of how earned. Tuition charges are set each July by the Bursar's Office immediately preceding the academic year.

PDF Version

Living expenses for the academic year (fall and spring) are estimated to be $20,700. 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. 

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.

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 child care for pre-school children (ages 0-6 years) is not included in the child expenses figures.