Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York
Acceptance rate
97.4%
2025
Out-of-state tuition
$25,392
In-state $15,208
Undergraduates
675
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Graduation rate
5.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 9.4%
About
Penn State York, a branch of the renowned Pennsylvania State University, offers a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement in a picturesque setting. Located in York, Pennsylvania, the campus provides students with a personalized educational experience in a close-knit environment. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the university emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces which support both academic pursuits and student life.
The university prides itself on its diverse range of academic programs, offering both bachelor's and associate degrees across various fields, including business, engineering, and health sciences. This diversity allows students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Moreover, Penn State York is known for its strong emphasis on student support services, providing resources such as academic advising, career counseling, and extracurricular activities that enhance the overall college experience. The campus fosters a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities, encouraging students to engage in both academic and social pursuits. With a focus on developing well-rounded individuals, Penn State York not only prepares students for successful careers but also instills a sense of community and lifelong learning.
Analysis of Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Penn State York
Penn State York, a public institution, has experienced significant changes in several key areas over the years, particularly tuition rates, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students increased from $13,602 in 2014 to $15,180 in 2024, reflecting a cumulative increase of approximately 11.6%. For out-of-state students, the increase was even more pronounced, rising from $20,278 to $25,118, a staggering 23.7% increase. This trend underscores the growing financial burden on students and their families, particularly in a landscape where student debt has become a national concern.
In terms of enrollment, the institution has seen a decline in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 1,155 in 2013 to just 711 in 2023. This decline raises questions about the factors influencing student choice, which may include rising tuition costs, changing demographics, or shifts in student preferences for different types of institutions. Notably, the graduate enrollment figures also reflect a decrease, from 53 students in 2013 to just 7 in 2023, highlighting a potential challenge in attracting and retaining graduate students.
The graduation rates present a concerning picture. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates saw a significant drop from approximately 24.5% in 2019 to only 5.5% in 2023. This sharp decline could indicate issues related to student support, academic preparedness, or external factors affecting students' ability to complete their degrees on time. Additionally, the retention rate, which reflects students' decision to continue their education at the institution, has fluctuated, falling to approximately 72.5% in 2023 from a high of 84.8% in 2019.
Together, these trends suggest that Penn State York is facing critical challenges in maintaining student enrollment and supporting timely graduation, signaling a need for strategic interventions to enhance student experience and academic outcomes.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Lancaster, about 20 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Marilyn Wells (Regional Chancellor)
- Phone
- 7177714000
- City
- York, Pennsylvania
- Address
- 1031 Edgecomb Avenue, York, PA 17403-3326
Rankings & Admission
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2023: men 92.3%, women 93.6%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates at Penn State York
The admission data from Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York reveals a notable trend in both male and female acceptance rates over the years. The male acceptance rate peaked at approximately 92.26% in 2023, which is significantly higher compared to earlier years, such as 2009 when it was around 86.66%. This upward trend suggests that the university has become more accommodating in its admissions process, possibly in response to increasing enrollment goals or demographic shifts.
Conversely, while female acceptance rates have shown fluctuations, they remained consistently lower than male rates throughout the years. The highest female acceptance rate recorded was approximately 93.55% in 2023, also indicating a positive trend. However, the gap between male and female acceptance rates has narrowed over time, reflecting a broader push towards gender equity in higher education.
Moreover, the total number of enrollments and denials have also varied, with the most significant enrollment figures reported in 2010 and a remarkable decrease in 2023. This could be attributed to various factors, including changing student interests, economic conditions, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.
Overall, these data points underscore the dynamic nature of university admissions and the importance of adapting policies to meet changing societal needs. The increasing acceptance rates, particularly for males, indicate a shift in the university's approach, while the narrowing gender gap suggests a commitment to inclusivity.
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 24% submitted SAT, 3% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admission Scores at Penn State York
The data from Penn State York over the years reveals noteworthy trends in the admissions process, particularly regarding SAT and ACT scores. There is a marked increase in the score ranges for both SAT reading and math, as well as ACT composite scores over the years. For instance, the 25th percentile SAT reading score rose from 460 in 2007 to 540 in 2023, while the 75th percentile saw an increase from 570 to 650 in the same period. This upward trend indicates a gradual elevation in the academic standards and selectivity of the institution.
Interestingly, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores began at 95% in 2007 but has seen a gradual decline to only 39% in 2023. This sharp decrease might reflect a broader national trend where students opt for test-optional policies in response to the ongoing debates about standardized testing's role in college admissions. The pandemic has further accelerated the move towards test-optional admissions, compelling many institutions to reconsider their reliance on standardized tests.
Moreover, while the number of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, the ACT submissions have remained relatively stable. This suggests that while the preference might shift towards the ACT among some students, the overall competition remains intense, as demonstrated by the consistent rise in score ranges.
Overall, these trends highlight how Penn State York is adapting to the changing landscape of college admissions, balancing academic rigor with the evolving preferences of prospective students. The institution's adaptability in response to these trends will likely play a crucial role in attracting and retaining future students.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 10 in 10
1,933 applicants in 2025, 97.4% admitted
1,883 admitted 50 not admitted Yield 10.7%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Curriculum and Instruction · Master's1 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Penn State York
The graduation data from Penn State York reveals interesting trends regarding the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, the Business and Commerce disciplines lead in the number of bachelor's degrees conferred, with a total of 21 graduates, representing approximately 28% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for business-oriented education, reflecting the growing importance of skills in commerce and management in today’s job market.
In the realm of biological sciences and psychology, both fields produced 13 graduates each, totaling 26% of bachelor’s degrees. This indicates sustained interest in these popular majors, which often lead to careers in healthcare and research. Although these fields yield high numbers, they did not attract international students at the bachelor’s level, highlighting a potential area for growth in attracting diverse talent.
The data also points to a significant absence of international students among graduates in various disciplines. For instance, there were no international graduates in the humanities, biological sciences, or engineering fields. This could suggest barriers to entry for international students or a need for improved outreach and support services.
Furthermore, the educational fields show a distinct trend with 7 master's degrees awarded, emphasizing the institution's role in higher education and professional development. However, the lack of doctoral graduates indicates a potential gap in advanced research training opportunities at this campus.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of understanding enrollment trends and the need for institutions to adapt their programs to attract a more diverse student body while responding to the evolving demands of the job market.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $38,044-$52,236 | |||
| Business/Corporate Communications, General. | $39,635 | |||
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | $63,116 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies, General. | $38,145-$38,150 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $37,593 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician. | $71,604 | |||
| Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician. | $58,264 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $38,378 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | $84,461 | |||
| Information Science/Studies. | $49,860-$68,240 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $35,537 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $59,068 |
Students
677 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 62:38 · Freshman retention 76.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 414
- First-year undergraduates 192
- Graduate students 2
- Transfers and others 69
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (675)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Penn State York in 2023
The student composition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York for the year 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into diversity and gender representation among various student categories. The data shows that the number of first-year undergraduate students is 192, with a significant male representation at approximately 71.9%. This indicates a higher interest and enrollment rate among males compared to females in this category, where females make up only about 28.1%.
For continuing undergraduate students, the total is 422, with a male ratio of 63.3%. This trend of higher male enrollment continues, albeit with a slightly more balanced ratio compared to first-year students. The data for transfer students shows a smaller cohort of 48 students, with males representing 58.3% and females 41.7%, indicating a gradual shift towards a more equitable representation.
Graduate students appear to have the least representation, with only 7 students recorded. The male-to-female ratio here stands at 57.1% to 42.9%, illustrating a consistent pattern of male predominance across the various student levels.
The breakdown of ethnic backgrounds among first-year students shows a predominance of white students, followed by other ethnic groups, although specific numbers for the latter categories were not disclosed. This overall demographic structure raises questions about the inclusivity and accessibility of higher education, particularly concerning underrepresented minorities.
As universities strive for diversity and equity, it becomes crucial to examine these statistics in the context of broader societal trends and challenges, including the ongoing discussions around race, gender, and access to education. Understanding these dynamics can help institutions enhance their recruitment strategies and support systems to foster a more inclusive environment for all students.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Penn State York
The age distribution of students at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State York reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body. A significant proportion of students fall under the age of 18 and between 18-19, accounting for approximately 42% and 24% of the total male and female students respectively. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-aged students, likely fresh out of high school.
As we transition into the 20-21 age category, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students, with only about 16% of the total male and female population. This trend continues for older age brackets, suggesting that the university may not attract as many students in their early twenties or older. The presence of students between the ages of 22-24 and 25-29 is minimal, which might reflect a trend in higher education where younger students are prioritized.
Moreover, the data shows an interesting gender disparity in certain age categories. For instance, while there are male students in the 30-34 age range, the number of female students in that same range is notably lower. This could reflect broader societal trends where women may take breaks from their education for family or career reasons, returning to complete their degrees later in life.
Overall, the age composition at Penn State York indicates a predominantly younger student population, with a significant drop-off in enrollment as students age. This aligns with national trends in higher education, where traditional-age students dominate the landscape, while older students remain a minority. Understanding these demographics can help the university tailor its programs and services to better meet the needs of its diverse student body.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years
36 in 2025 · 13.3% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Penn State York
The data on international student enrollment at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York reveals significant trends over the years. From 2004 to 2019, the percentage of international undergraduates surged dramatically, increasing from a mere 0.06% in 2004 to an impressive 19.89% in 2019. This growth indicates that the university has become increasingly attractive to international students, potentially due to its academic programs, campus facilities, and overall reputation.
However, the data also shows a notable decline in total undergraduate enrollment from 2004 to 2023, dropping from 1,730 to 711. Despite the decrease in overall student numbers, the proportion of international students fluctuated, with a sharp rise peaking in 2019, before experiencing a drop to 3.80% in 2023. This decline may reflect broader trends in international education due to various factors such as visa regulations, global economic conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational mobility worldwide.
In contrast, the number of graduate students and their representation as international students remains unrecorded in the available data, which leaves a gap in understanding the full scope of international representation at the graduate level. As universities increasingly recognize the value of a diverse student body, Penn State York may want to explore strategies to rebuild and enhance its international community, which is essential for fostering a global perspective and collaboration among students. Overall, while the rise in international undergraduate students is commendable, the recent decline underscores the need for adaptive strategies to sustain and grow international enrollment in the future.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$40,666
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $25,392
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $15,208
- Room and board
- $15,274
- Graduate tuition
- $32,774
Tuition rose 20% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NSCAA
| USCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 33 | - |
| Basketball | 20 | 9 |
| Soccer | 14 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Golf | 8 | - |
| Cross Country | 4 | - |
| USCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | 12 |
| Soccer | 14 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Golf | 7 | - |
| USCAA | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 18 | 10 |
| Baseball | 26 | - |
| Soccer | 18 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 8 |
| Golf | 6 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster · 21.4 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg · 29.4 mi
Liberal Arts #54
-
Dickinson CollegeCarlisle · 31.3 mi
Liberal Arts #54
-
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore · 43.3 mi
U.S. News #9
-
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore · 48.1 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of DelawareNewark · 53.9 mi
U.S. News #85
-
West Chester University of PennsylvaniaWest Chester · 58.5 mi
U.S. News #227
-
Washington CollegeChestertown · 61.0 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park · 67.9 mi
U.S. News #49
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions near Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York:
-
Johns Hopkins University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Johns Hopkins University is a leading research university known for its programs in public health, medicine, and the sciences.
-
Franklin and Marshall College - This liberal arts college is ranked 35th. It offers a rigorous academic environment and emphasizes experiential learning.
-
Dickinson College - Ranked 46th, Dickinson College is known for its commitment to global education and sustainability, providing students with a solid liberal arts education.
-
Gettysburg College - With a rank of 63, Gettysburg College offers a vibrant campus life and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and community engagement.
-
Swarthmore College - This highly regarded liberal arts college ranks 4th and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social responsibility.
-
Villanova University - Ranked 67th, Villanova University combines a strong liberal arts education with a commitment to service and community.
These institutions offer diverse opportunities for academic growth and personal development, making them prominent choices for students in the region.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Campus Crime Trends at Penn State York
The crime data from Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York reveals a noteworthy trend over the years. From 2013 to 2023, the crime rate has fluctuated, with the most significant increase occurring in 2017, where the average number of incidents per 1000 students rose to 2.81. This growth continued, peaking in 2023 at 6.96 incidents per 1000 students.
The data suggests that the university has experienced a gradual rise in crime, particularly in arrests related to gun possession and drug-related offenses. Notably, there were no recorded incidents in several years, including 2020, 2021, and 2022, which might indicate effective crime prevention measures or possibly underreporting during those years. The spike in 2023 may raise concerns among students and faculty about safety on campus.
In the broader context, it is essential to consider how universities across the country are dealing with crime and safety issues. Many institutions are adopting comprehensive strategies to enhance campus security, such as increased patrols, educational programs about personal safety, and improved lighting in public areas.
As crime rates can impact student enrollment and campus life, it is crucial for Penn State York to address these challenges proactively. Through collaboration with local law enforcement and community resources, the university can work towards creating a safer environment for all students. For further insights into crime rates and their calculations, one can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.