Fees & Charges
Tuition Assessment
The following criteria are used to determine the amount of tuition a Penn State student is assessed per semester:
- Campus
- College
- Major
- Student level
- Residency
- Credit load
Student level is determined by the following:
| Total Credits Earned | Semester Classification |
|---|---|
| 27 or fewer credits | Freshman |
| 27.1 to 59 credits | Sophomore |
| 59.1 to 91 credits | Junior |
| 91.1 or more credits | Senior |
A student's semester classification for a future semester is determined by adding completed credits to the credits currently enrolled.
Once an undergraduate student completes 59.1 or more course credits (including credits earned through advanced placement or transferred from another institution), the student is considered to have obtained Junior/Senior status at Penn State.
All advanced placement or transfer credits placed on the Penn State transcript will count towards the total number of credits a student has accumulated, even if some of those credits do not meet the course requirements for graduation. Depending on when the advanced placement or transfer credits are approved, a mid-semester tuition increase may result.
Information Technology Fee
An Information Technology Fee is charged to all undergraduate and graduate students at all campus locations.
Information Technology Fee Services
Computer Access Accounts are made available to all students to provide unrestricted access to Penn State's computing facilities as well as electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and key information services such as encyclopedias and governmental data.
For students who have their own computers, income from the fee provides connections to the University's network and information services.
The funds also provide direct support for computer services at each individual campus location. Examples include the purchase of microcomputers and software for student laboratories, consulting, and work stations.
Calculation of the Information Technology Fee
The non-refundable Information Technology Fee is charged according to the number of credits in which the student is enrolled immediately prior to the first day of the semester. Adding credits on or after the first day of the semester could result in a corresponding increase of the fee. Dropping credits on or after the first day of the semester will not reduce the fee charged.
Student Activities Fee
The purpose of the Student Activities Fee is to improve the out-of-class experience and the educational climate at Penn State.
Student Activities Fee Services
Income from the Student Activities Fee is used to increase the number and quality of activities such as clubs and organizations, recreational and fitness programs, lectures, music and cultural programs, and other campus programs related to the total learning environment. Each campus has established a student-run committee that will allocate these funds.
For more information on the University Park Allocation Committee, please visit the University Park Allocations Committee Web site or 229 HUB-Robeson Center; call 814-863-8951; or e-mail upac@psu.edu.
Calculation of the Student Activities Fee
The non-refundable Student Activities Fee is charged according to campus and the number of credits in which the student is enrolled immediately prior to the first day of the semester. Adding credits on or after the first day of the semester could result in a corresponding increase of the fee. Dropping credits on or after the first day of the semester will not reduce the fee charged.
Student Facilities Fee
The Student Facilities Fee was established to provide a funding source for capital projects designed to enhance student activities, fitness and recreation. Projects to be undertaken at each campus will be identified by the appropriate campus officials. Student input will be obtained in determining priorities and ideas for potential projects through campus advisory groups that represent all constituencies.
Calculation of the Student Facilities Fee
The non-refundable Student Facilities Fee is charged according to the number of credits in which the student is enrolled immediately prior to the first day of the semester. Adding credits on or after the first day of the semester could result in a corresponding increase of the fee. Dropping credits on or after the first day of the semester will not reduce the fee charged.
Other Charges
In addition to the tuition, fees, room and board, other miscellaneous charges may be billed through your Bursar Account. For example:
- individual music lessons
- change of schedule
- credit by examination
- duplicate student identification card
- student parking
- other items listed in the current University Bulletin.
If you are a recipient of Federal aid funds, your approval is required to cover charges to your student account (other than tuition, fees, and room and board). You have the right to rescind your approval by contacting the Bursar's Office.