Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg

School Overview

Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg is located in Middletown, PA, 17057, set within a urban environment that shapes the daily student experience. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg has an acceptance rate of 98%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1120-1310 and ACT scores of 22-31. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4.

Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg enrolls 4,047 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 42% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 18%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg include Engineering (23% of students), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (16% of students), and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (15% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $17,052. However, the average net price after financial aid is $23,705, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $13,603 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg combines a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs, meaningful financial aid to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Pennsylvania State University--Harrisburg is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.