Penn State’s budget for the 2026-27 academic year raises tuition for all of its students attending University Park and some of its students that attend branch campuses.

The $10.2 billion budget, approved Friday by the board of trustees, includes a 2% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students attending University Park, a 4% increase for out-of-state students attending University Park and a 1% increase for out-of-state students attending a branch campus beginning with the fall 2026 semester.

For an in-state undergraduate at main campus, the tuition increases $205 per semester, to $10,439. That equates to $20,878 annually. An out-of-state undergraduate would see an $857 increase, to $22,287 a semester, or $44,574 annually.

There is a 1% tuition increase for out-of-state undergraduates and in-state graduate students at branch campuses; and a 2% increase for out-of-state graduate students at those campuses. There will be no tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students at branch campuses.

There are about 18,000 in-state undergraduate students that attend commonwealth campuses, which accounts for about 42% of the university’s in-state undergraduate population, said Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business.

Area Penn State branch campuses include New Kensington, Fayette, Greater Allegheny near McKeesport and Beaver. New Kensington and Fayette will close at the end of the spring 2027 semester.

“Throughout our budgeting process, we have remained focused on prioritizing students and their success; supporting the faculty, staff and technical service employees who make Penn State great; and making strategic, data-informed investments that allow Penn State to drive positive impact across Pennsylvania and beyond,” said President Neeli Bendapudi.

“It is no secret that higher education nationally is navigating a complex and evolving landscape — from shifting demographics and competition affecting enrollments; to uncertainties surrounding international students; to federal funding reductions for research, to name just a few. On top of that, we continue to face flat state funding levels that have not changed since 2019.

“In the face of these challenges, we are in a stable financial position, and we have developed a flexible and responsive budget model that positions us to adapt as conditions change both here in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

Housing and food rates also will increase effective fall 2026. The budget includes a 2.85% increase, or $198 per semester, for the standard double room and mid-level meal plan at University Park, according to university documents.

The increase brings the average room and board cost to $7,138 per semester, or $14,275 per academic year.

Branch campus room and board rates vary. Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine and Harrisburg campuses will see an average rate increase of 1.64% per semester, or $110, for a total cost of $6,815. At other campuses, rates increase by .62%.

The budget sets a 3% pool for merit-based salary increases and a 4% boost in the value of graduate assistant stipends for the 2026-27 year, according to Penn State.

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