For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Pennsylvania is $14,578 for Pennsylvania residents and $24,489 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Pennsylvania, the average tuition & fees are $39,626 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Pennsylvania is $20,744 for Pennsylvania residents and $28,169 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Pennsylvania, the average graduate tuition is $22,411.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $17,449 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $17,453. 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.
You can compare all Pennsylvania colleges in various ways:
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 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Pennsylvania is $33,660 for residents and $43,571 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $58,222. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $27,034 for Pennsylvania residents and $30,894 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 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 | $33,660 | $43,571 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $58,222 | |
| Community Colleges | $27,034 | $30,894 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Pennsylvania, 314 out of 329 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 94 public and 180 private colleges in Pennsylvania. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Pennsylvania is $14,578 for Pennsylvania residents and $24,489 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $38,641
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $10,122 for residents and $13,982 for out-of-state students.
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $14,578 | $24,489 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $38,641 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $10,122 | $13,982 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $20,986 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Pennsylvania, 119 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Pennsylvania is $19,465 for Pennsylvania residents and $26,741 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $21,104
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $19,465 | $26,741 |
| Private Schools | $21,104 | |
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 $540 for Pennsylvania residents and $945 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,204
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $855 for Pennsylvania residents and $1,172 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $912
| Pennsylvania Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $540 | $945 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,204 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $306 | $450 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $855 | $1,172 |
| Private Schools | $912 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Pennsylvania
At colleges in Pennsylvania, the average living cost is $17,449 when a student lives on campus facility and $17,453 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $17,780 | $17,581 |
| Private Schools | $17,329 | $17,387 |
