College Costs in Penn Hills, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$753
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Penn Hills Overview
Population
41,535
Student Population
2,714 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
100 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
College Cost Calculator for Penn Hills
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,872
Total After Financial Aid
$120,872
Annual Cost
$30,218
Annual After Aid
$30,218
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,872 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,372 |
| Total Interest | $43,825 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,697 |
Universities in Penn Hills
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Penn Hills State University | Public | $16,301 |
| Penn Hills Community College | Community | $5,106 |
Penn Hills has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Penn Hills vs. National Average
| Category | Penn Hills | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,500 | $10,940 | +$4,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $753 | $1,050 | -$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 | 0 |
Penn Hills's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Penn Hills
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,714 students
Penn Hills has a total population of 41,535, with approximately 2,714 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Penn Hills offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Penn Hills
$35,672
Starting Salary
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~180 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Penn Hills earn a median starting salary of $35,672, which is $672 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,872 (including room and board), it would take approximately 180 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,483 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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