How Much Does College Tuition Cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania pricing is near the national average. Updated for 2024.
College Tuition Pricing in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the average cost for college tuition is $22,440 per year, which is 2% higher than the national average of $22,000. Most Pennsylvania residents pay between $5,100 and $61,200.
Pennsylvania has costs that track closely with the national average, though prices can still vary between urban and rural areas within the state.
College tuition varies dramatically between public in-state, public out-of-state, and private institutions. Total cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, fees, books, and personal expenses.
Pennsylvania vs National Average
What Affects College Tuition Cost in Pennsylvania?
School Type
Community college: $3K-$8K/yr. Public in-state: $8K-$15K/yr. Public out-of-state: $20K-$35K/yr. Private: $35K-$60K/yr
Total Cost
Including room and board, fees, books: add $12K-$20K per year to tuition
💡 Tips to Save on College Tuition in Pennsylvania
- 1.Start at community college and transfer ($3K-$5K/year vs $10K-$30K)
- 2.Apply for every scholarship you can find
- 3.Consider in-state public universities
- 4.File FAFSA every year — even if you think you won't qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Is college still worth the cost?
Statistically, college graduates earn $1M+ more over their lifetime than non-graduates. However, ROI varies significantly by major and school.