Penn State Tuition, Room and Board Costs?

Hey folks, I'm seriously considering Penn State, but the costs are kinda freaking me out a bit. Does anyone here know how much their tuition is yearly and how much room and board might cost on top of that? And is there any merit-based aid or scholarships I should look out for to offset some of this?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated annual in-state tuition and fees at Penn State University, not including room and board, are about $19,672; for out-of-state students, it's around $39,626. Of course, these are just estimates, and the actual cost can depend on factors such as the specific program you're in or any additional fees.

For room and board, which includes housing and meals, the estimate for the 2024-2025 academic year is around $12,984 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

As far as merit-based aid goes, Penn State does offer several opportunities. One example is the Provost Awards, which are merit-based scholarships for out-of-state students who show exceptional academic ability. The amount varies but can range from $10,000 to $14,000 per year. Additionally, there's the Bunton-Waller Awards, which are merit- and need-based awards specifically for students from underrepresented groups. The amount for this award also varies.

Remember that all prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Even if you think you might not qualify for need-based aid, it's a good idea to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because it can open up access to a variety of awards, and some scholarships even require you to have a FAFSA on file.

Lastly, after you've applied to Penn State and received your acceptance, you can use their Student Aid Calculator (https://cce.ais.psu.edu/netprice-calculator/) to get a more detailed estimate of the cost and aid you might expect. It's always a good idea to have as much information as possible when planning for college expenses!