Erie, PApublicbehrend.psu.edu
Admit rate has held near 95% across the last 2 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public university in Erie, PA, offering the resources of a major research university in a smaller, student-centered campus environment. With an acceptance rate of ~96%, it provides a range of undergraduate programs in business, engineering, humanities, and sciences. The college boasts strong student outcomes, with high retention rates and competitive post-graduation earnings.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Penn State Erie-Behrend College has a high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of approximately 96.8%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. The middle 50% range for high school GPA is 3.16-3.65, and the SAT range is 1060-1250. The ACT range falls between 23-28. The college does not have a strict application deadline, offering flexibility for prospective students.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Penn State Behrend offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including business, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and nursing. Students can choose from over 160 majors, 200 minors, and 100 certificates across the university system. The college is ranked #133 in Regional Universities North and #48 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report (2026).
Popular Majors:
Penn State Behrend fosters a close-knit community with a student body of around 4,000 undergraduates. The campus offers 145+ clubs and organizations, 35+ varsity and intramural sports, and a vibrant social scene. Students appreciate the small class sizes and top-notch facilities, with many opting to stay at Behrend rather than transfer to the main campus.
Highlights:
Penn State Behrend has a 75% retention rate, with nearly three-quarters of students completing their degrees at the college. Graduates report high satisfaction, with 90% recommending the college in senior surveys. The median earnings for graduates one year after graduation are $36,427, and some reports indicate an average starting salary of $46,900, the second-highest in the state.
Key Metrics:
The average net price for students at Penn State Behrend is $20,964 per year after grants and scholarships. About 83% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average grant award of $6,939. Institutional grants average $3,333, and 71% of students take out loans to help cover costs.
Financial Aid Breakdown:
Penn State Behrend combines the resources of a major research university with the personalized attention of a smaller college. Its high acceptance rate and strong outcomes make it an attractive option for students seeking a balance between accessibility and academic rigor. The campus’s vibrant student life, modern facilities, and close-knit community further enhance the college experience, while graduates benefit from competitive salaries and high satisfaction rates.