DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · UNIVERSITY PARK, PA · PUBLIC

Penn State University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
54.2%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Penn State University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$13,030
Room & Board (Annual)
$7,614
Room Only
$5,416
Meal Plan
14,238
On-Campus Beds
4-Year Housing Cost
Based on current room & board rates
$52,120

Housing Guarantee at Penn State University

Off-campus is the norm. Penn State University has on-campus capacity for only about 33% of undergrads. Even freshman housing may be by request or lottery. Treat off-campus as the default plan from day one.

Penn State University Campus & Location

Penn State University is located in University Park, PA — classified as City: Small. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.

Sources: Room and board figures from IPEDS 2023 Institutional Characteristics.

Penn State University Housing & Dorm FAQs

How much do Penn State University dorms cost?
Room and board at Penn State University costs $13,030/yr. That breaks down as $7,614 for the room and $5,416 for the meal plan. Costs vary by room type (single/double/suite) and meal plan tier.
Are Penn State University freshmen required to live on campus?
Penn State University has on-campus housing capacity for 14,238 students. Most US colleges require freshmen to live on campus when capacity allows — check the residential life policy for current requirements.
Can I live off campus to save money at Penn State University?
Sometimes — depends on local rent. Penn State University's on-campus room and board is $13,030/yr. Off-campus rent in University Park can be cheaper or more expensive depending on neighborhood. Factor in utilities, food, and commute when comparing — and remember most schools require freshmen to live on campus.
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More About Penn State University

Penn State University Acceptance Rate Penn State University Tuition & Cost Transfer to Penn State University Penn State University Salary & ROI Penn State University AP Credit Best Majors at Penn State University Penn State University Housing International at Penn State University

Other Colleges in PA

University of Pennsylvania
5.9% accept · Philadelphia
Swarthmore College
6.9% accept · Swarthmore
Carnegie Mellon University
11.4% accept · Pittsburgh
Haverford College
12.9% accept · Haverford
Villanova University
25.1% accept · Villanova
University of Pittsburgh
49.7% accept · Pittsburgh

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Penn State University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.