We understand the importance of advance financial planning when you are deciding to take college courses. As an adult learner, you likely have household expenses to manage; you may also have child-care and medical expenses. Or you might be putting your kids through college at the same time you're considering going back to school.
The links below provide a starting point for budgeting for college, as well as options for assistance with your tuition costs.
If you have questions after reviewing the information, please contact us.
Please see the official University tuition Web site (http://tuition.psu.edu/) for the most up-to-date information on tuition.
When budgeting for your course expenses, there are other costs to consider in addition to tuition.
Student Activity Fee
The student activity fee is used to increase the number and quality of student activities such as clubs and organizations, recreational and fitness programs, lectures, music and cultural programs, and other campus programs related to the total learning experience.
Fall 2008/Spring 2009
$23 (1-4 credits)
$56 (5-8 credits)
$74 (9 or more credits)
Summer 2009
$19 (1-4 credits)
$37 (5-8 credits)
$56 (9 or more credits)
A mandatory information technology fee is charged to all Penn State undergraduate and graduate students (except at the Penn State College of Medicine). Income from the fee helps to fund the University's network and information services such as electronic mail, the World Wide Web, computer facilities, and online encyclopedias and governmental data.
Fall 2008/Spring 2009
$75 (1-4 credits)
$164 (5-8 credits)
$222 (9 or more credits)
Summer 2009
$56 (1-4 credits)
$111 (5-8 credits)
$167 (9 or more credits)
Lab Fees
Some nursing, engineering, and science courses require lab fees, which vary by course.
Course Textbooks and Materials
The costs for textbooks and supplemental materials will vary by course. For planning purposes only, we recommend budgeting, for each of your courses, $100 to buy textbooks and other materials. Textbooks for science, math, and engineering courses may cost more.
Parking
Visit our Parking page for detailed information about where to park for Continuing Education courses. If you are not a Penn State staff member who already has a parking permit for your vehicle, click here for the kinds of permits you are eligible to purchase, and their costs.
