University Park Undergraduates: Breakout of 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 $2,100 for annual student initiated 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 bills of undergraduate students with a minimum of 59.1 credits, regardless of how earned.  For initial visa eligibility documents, only the 1st & 2nd year student rates will apply.

Tuition charges are set each July by The Bursar's Office immediately preceding the academic year.  The figures listed above are estimates only for the purpose of issuing forms I-20 and DS-2019.

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Living expenses for the academic year (fall and spring semesters) are estimated to be $20,700 for an undergraduate student.  This includes approximately $1,200 for books, course materials, supplies, and equipment.

Living expenses are based on figures provided by the Office of Student Aid.  The $20,700 figure includes estimated amounts for room, food, clothing, laundry, personal care items, books, school supplies, and so on. 

The estimated insurance rate of $3,400 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 the fall semester.

If you will be accompanied by dependents, you are fully responsible for their support and additional funds as required. Health insurance is mandatory for all accompanying dependents. University assistantship stipends are not sufficient to cover dependents' expenses and are not intended to do so.  The high cost of child care for preschool children (ages 0-6 years) is not included in the child expenses figures.  Child insurance expenses have a maximum fee for 3 or more children.