For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Pennsylvania is $14,548 for Pennsylvania residents and $24,102 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Pennsylvania, the average tuition & fees are $39,022 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Pennsylvania is $20,884 for Pennsylvania residents and $28,164 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Pennsylvania, the average graduate tuition is $22,059.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $16,663 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $16,321. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Pennsylvania is $32,935 for residents and $42,488 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $57,161. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $26,510 for Pennsylvania residents and $30,299 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $32,935 | $42,488 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $57,161 | |
| Community Colleges | $26,510 | $30,299 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Pennsylvania, 310 out of 325 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 93 public and 176 private colleges in Pennsylvania. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Pennsylvania is $13,068 for Pennsylvania residents and $22,471 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $37,673
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $8,024 for residents and $11,663 for out-of-state students.
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $13,068 | $22,471 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $37,673 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $8,024 | $11,663 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $19,811 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Pennsylvania, 119 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Pennsylvania is $19,673 for Pennsylvania residents and $26,807 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $21,078
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $19,673 | $26,807 |
| Private Schools | $21,078 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Pennsylvania is $539 for Pennsylvania residents and $932 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,148
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $860 for Pennsylvania residents and $1,172 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $919
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $539 | $932 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,148 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $298 | $440 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $860 | $1,172 |
| Private Schools | $919 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Pennsylvania
At colleges in Pennsylvania, the average living cost is $16,663 when a student lives on campus facility and $16,321 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,763 | $16,236 |
| Private Schools | $16,625 | $16,363 |
