Acceptance Rate
98%
Avg. SAT
1310
75th percentile
“Penn State's compact suburban outpost delivers a Nittany Lion degree starter-pack amid Philadelphia's backyard woods.”
Media, PA
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Penn State Brandywine opened in 1966 as one of the university system's Commonwealth Campuses, designed to bring Penn State's resources closer to Pennsylvania communities beyond the main University Park hub. You'll find a tight-knit group of about 1,300 undergrads who often commute or live nearby, thriving if you prefer smaller-scale interactions with professors and peers over massive lecture halls. The campus sits on 200 wooded acres in Media, a historic borough 15 miles west of Philadelphia, blending quiet trails and green spaces with easy drives to the city. Students drawn to this spot usually seek an affordable entry to a Penn State degree, with many planning to finish at University Park after two years here. Tradeoffs include a narrower range of majors and fewer Division I sports events compared to larger campuses, alongside a higher reliance on cars in this spread-out suburban setting.
Photo Gallery
+3
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Degree Levels Offered
Classes here stay small, often under 25 students even in upper levels, letting you chat directly with faculty who know your name from day one. Standout programs include business administration, communications, and psychology, all leading to full bachelor's degrees without needing to transfer, though ambitious students often ladder up to specialized majors at University Park. The intellectual vibe encourages practical skills alongside core Penn State rigor, with opportunities like the on-campus planetarium for astronomy enthusiasts. Expect hands-on projects over pure research, given the teaching-focused setup. A tradeoff shows in introductory courses occasionally pulling in students from nearby campuses via video links, which can dilute the in-person feel.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,236 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
50%
Black / African American
18%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
Asian
14%
Other / Multi-racial
10%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Media, PA
Varsity Athletics
Campus life revolves around a commuter rhythm, with students grabbing coffee at the on-site café before classes and heading to Philly for weekends or internships. About a third live on campus in modern apartment-style halls, fostering study groups and low-key hangouts, while traditions like Penn State pride week and service events echo the system's spirit on a smaller scale. A typical week mixes lectures, club meetings—think robotics team builds or literary readings—and wooded trail walks, wrapping with borough festivals in Media. The social scene stays mellow rather than raucous, suiting those who prioritize studies over parties. Challenges include coordinating rides in car-dependent suburbia and a quieter nightlife, offset by proximity to Philadelphia's energy.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
73%
4 Years Graduation Rate
19%
6 Years Graduation Rate
27%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,435
73% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine and return in the fall. 19% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 27% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
19%
4-5 years
8%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
71%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$14,624
Acceptance
98%
Undergrads
1,236
4-Year Grad Rate
19%
Endowment
$18M
Media, PA 19063-5522
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