Pa. college costs 3rd highest in US; tuition/fees grew 7%to $12,079

[Divernan]

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The cost of attending college in Pennsylvania grew slightly less than the national average this year, but the cost of going to a four-year public university in the state is now the third-highest in the nation, according to the report released today by the College Board.

Pennsylvania's average cost of $12,079 for four-year public college tuition and fees puts it behind only New Hampshire at $13,507 and Vermont, $13,078.

"While the importance of a college degree has never been greater, its rapidly rising price is an overwhelming obstacle to many students and families," College Board President Gaston Caperton said in a news release. "Making matters worse is the variability of price from state to state."

The College Board reports roughly 56 percent of 2009-2010 bachelor's degree recipients at public four-years graduated with debt, averaging about $22,000. At private nonprofit universities, the figures were higher -- 65 percent and around $28,000.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11299/1184921-298-0.stm#ixzz1bsv0ihHq

[JPZenger]

1. Pitt and Penn State Always #1 and #2 in Most Expensive Public Colleges

Every year, Penn State and Pitt rank as the two most expensive public colleges in the country. In addition, Pitt mainly offers merit aid to out of state students. Penn State has much less need based aid than many comparable universities - if I remember correctly their packages only meet 50% of need, on average, even after considering federal and state grants.

I also find it interesting that with all the money that Penn State receives from PA, they do not give ANY preference in admissions to PA. residents. I'm not saying they shouldn't admit out of state students, but most public universities do give some preference to their own residents. U. Park campus is now 1/3 out of state.

There is a strong financial incentive for public universities to have large numbers of out of state students because of the higher tuition that is paid. For example, the UC system in California is now giving admissions preference to OUT OF STATE students.

In addition, Penn State's Dickinson Law School charges PA. residents the same tuition as out of state residents, even though the PA. state government provided tens of millions of dollars of construction money to the Law School.