Student Housing near Penn State University

For students who are searching accommodation near Penn State University have a variety of options in university halls, PBSA, private apartments, and shared flats. The available rooms are usually en-suite rooms, studio rooms, and shared rooms, which give students options according to their budgets and requirements. The rents vary from $549 to $1,299 monthly, depending on the kind of place, location, room type, and other facilities. Most places include bills like Wi-Fi and utilities in the rental price, enabling students to make their budgeting simpler. There is an option of both Penn State University off-campus housing and on-campus housing for students, which gives them easy access to the university and many other facilities.

University Living makes it easy to search for Penn State University student housing based on one’s preferences and budget. With 10+ years of experience, over 12+ million students assisted, more than 65,000 verified properties, and accommodations available in 640+ cities, we assist students in finding suitable accommodation in top study destinations. For students who want affordable accommodation, they can go for either shared rooms or apartments while students who want privacy can choose either en-suite rooms or studios.

University Living offers guaranteed booking advantages such as Verified Properties, No Visa No Pay and booking support services. Through ULInfinity, international students can also enjoy travel insurance, health insurance, international SIM cards, and money transfer services with student housing in the United States of America. In addition, many of the properties are located close to CATABUS, university amenities, cafes, restaurants, shops, and other places where students spend time.

Founded in 1855, Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one of the leading public research universities in the United States and is considered to be a “Public Ivy” due to its high academic standing. Penn State is an R1 research university and ranks No. 59 among National Universities in the U.S. News rankings. In the QS World University Rankings: USA for 2027, Penn State is ranked No. 23 in the United States and No. 92 globally, making it one of the best universities in the world. Penn State has a big and diverse student body with over 89,000 students and about 42,000 undergraduates on the campus of University Park. Moreover, Penn State has almost 9,000 international students in its ranks.

The university is spread all over Pennsylvania and has 19 campuses and 5 special mission units. Even though the university is famous because of its courses related to engineering and business, there are also great programmes offered by Penn State related to medicine, law, and humanities. Penn State College of Medicine located in Hershey, specializes in providing medical education, whereas Penn State Law and Dickinson Law specialize in providing education in law. With over $1.44 billion per year spent on research and an alumnus consisting of more than 700,000 graduates, Penn State is still offering great opportunities for research and global career opportunities to its students.

Its campuses are:

• University Park

• Abington

• Altoona

• Beaver

• Behrend

• Berks

• Brandywine

• DuBois

• Fayette

• Greater Allegheny

• Harrisburg

• Hazleton

• Lehigh Valley

• Mont Alto

• New Kensington

• Schuylkill

• Scranton

• Shenango

• Wilkes-Barre

• York

• College of Medicine

• Dickinson Law

• Great Valley

• Pennsylvania College of Technology

• World Campus

The living options for those seeking student housing near Penn State University include various types of furnished apartments and purpose-built student accommodations where monthly rental price range from $549 to $1,299, depending on the type of accommodation selected. These facilities provide private rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, as well as a host of other facilities, including fitness centers, study areas, swimming pools, lounges, and recreation areas.

Here are some of the best student housing in State College for students at Penn State:

Yugo Echelon State College

• Address: 330 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801

• Proximity: Around 5–8 minutes walking from Penn State University, making it one of the most convenient options for students.

• Highlights: Offers furnished studios and shared apartments with private bedrooms, in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, study spaces, fitness facilities, a swimming pool, games room, golf simulator, lounges, BBQ areas, and outdoor spaces.

• Best for: Students looking for modern, fully furnished housing close to campus with extensive amenities.

Rise at State College

• Address: 532 E College Ave, State College, PA 16801, USA

• Proximity:Approximately 10–12 minutes walking from Penn State University and within easy reach of Downtown State College.

• Highlights: Features furnished student apartments with private bedrooms, in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, study rooms, fitness facilities, a yoga room, game lounge, outdoor deck, hot tub, VR room, and bike storage.

• Best for: Students seeking modern accommodation with premium study, fitness, and social amenities.

Alight State College

• Address: 348 Blue Course Dr, State College, PA 16803, United States

• Proximity: Approximately 25–30 minutes walking from Penn State University, with CATABUS services providing a more convenient commute.

• Highlights: Provides furnished shared apartments with private bedrooms and shared living spaces, along with student-friendly facilities for studying, relaxing, and socialising.

• Best for: Students who prefer a quieter neighbourhood while remaining within convenient reach of Penn State.

Tremont Student Living State College

• Address: 201 Vairo Blvd, State College, PA 16803, USA

• Proximity: Approximately 40–45 minutes walking from Penn State University, while CATABUS can make the journey considerably quicker.

• Highlights: Offers furnished apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, in-unit laundry, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, basketball and volleyball courts, clubhouse, BBQ areas, and a CATABUS pass included with rent.

• Best for: Students who want spacious accommodation with recreational amenities and convenient bus access.

The Bryn State College

• Address: 601 Vairo Blvd, State College, PA 16803, USA

• Proximity: Approximately 40–45 minutes walking from Penn State University, with convenient CATABUS connections for a faster commute.

• Highlights: Offers student apartments with private bedrooms and shared spaces, along with fitness facilities, study areas, a swimming pool, recreational facilities, and community spaces.

• Best for: Students looking for comfortable accommodation in a quieter residential area with convenient transport options.

Note: Secure your ideal student housing near Penn State University with University Living today!

The cost of living in State College for students at Penn State University starts between $1,435 and $2,440 per month depending upon the lifestyle of the students. Monthly rent costs somewhere between $650-$1,400, and food costs lie between $300-$450. Students would also have to make some monthly budget for their utilities, which will be around $80-$180, while internet services would require spending somewhere between $75-$120, and transport cost can be estimated to be about $30-$90 per month. Some miscellaneous costs related to personal items, entertainment and other expenses can amount up to $300-$500 per month. By choosing economical student accommodation, and by using student transportation, these costs can be easily managed. For students planning their move, exploring student housing in Pennsylvania can help find accommodation that fits their budget.

Note: Students must remember that these figures are just an estimation and for a more accurate calculation, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living.

The tuition fees at Penn State University are dependent on the course, as the annual tuition cost varies between $45,500 and $52,656. However, there is no certainty about this since it depends on the requirement of the course.

The right neighbourhood can significantly improve the experience of being a student at Penn State University. State College provides numerous neighbourhoods that offer easy access to the campus, social venues, places to eat, and affordable rent. Some of these neighbourhoods include Downtown State College, The Highlands, Holmes-Foster, and Waupelani Drive.

• Downtown State College: The neighbourhood can be considered the best choice when it comes to student-friendly neighbourhoods. It is situated just outside the entrance of the Penn State University on the College and Beaver Avenues. The commute time for the students is 5 minutes by foot, which makes this neighbourhood great for students who need to be close to their lectures and all the campus-related activities. In addition, there are lots of cafes, restaurants, and places to spend night life, including Webster's Bookstore Café, College Pizza, and Phyrst. Finally, one more feature of this neighbourhood is the opportunity to participate in the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts every July. High rises in this neighbourhood cost an average of $1,741 per month, although the rent may vary due to room sharing.
• The Highlands: Located southeast of the campus of Penn State, this area has a great student environment where one will find some old homes, student apartments, and fraternity houses. It is about 10 to 20 minutes walk away from the campus, but the cycling route is even faster. The McLanahan’s Penn State Room at McLanahan is a great place to get grocery and university items, while the Champs Downtown serves as the ideal place for sports and fun. There is a strong link between this neighbourhood and the Greek life of the Penn State University. On average, the cost of rent is about $1,714 per month.
• Holmes-Foster: It is a tranquil and leafy suburb situated on the west side of State College and is favored especially by upperclassmen and grad students. Students have the option to get to Penn State by walking for about 15 to 20 minutes or by catching the CATABUS to get to campus within 10 minutes. Some of the places frequented by students near Holmes-Foster are The Corner Room and West End Market, while Holmes-Foster Park is a tranquil spot in the suburbs. Rent prices for apartments usually vary between $1,350 and $1,650 per month.

Waupelani Drive: This is a housing neighbourhood located south of the college campus and provides the students an opportunity to live away from the hustling bustle of the Downtown region. Although walking to Penn State may take about 25-30 minutes, the CATA V Route makes it possible to cut down the traveling time below 10 minutes. The students will be able to easily access Weis Markets for their grocery shopping needs, as well as Plaza Mexican Bar & Grill for casual food options. Also, the nearby Orchard Park houses bike paths and green areas along with some fields. On average, the rent in Waupelani Drive ranges from $1,150-$1,550 per month.

For the students of Penn State traveling around State College is an easy task due to free transport on campus, community routes that are easy on the student’s budget as well as availability of e-bikes. Services of CATABUS help students reach the campus and the nearby areas and by using Spin E-Bikes the commuters can also travel longer distances. Frequent services make travelling in State College easier and cheaper.

• CATABUS Campus Service: This service offers the students of Penn State a completely free means of transport without the need to obtain a pass or a student ID to use it. Most CATABUS buses run from 7 AM till after midnight but the schedule is reduced on weekends. The buses stop at important locations like HUB-Robeson Center, Visual Arts Building, and Pattee Library.
• CATABUS Community Routes: This public transit plays a significant role in traveling outside the campus, expanding to communities in State College. The fare per ride stands at $2.20 for a single trip, although those who hold RIDEpass will receive a discount. Services are typically operated from 6 AM to 12 AM. Among the main bus stops, it is worth mentioning Downtown (College Avenue), Waupelani Drive, and North Atherton Terminal.
• Spin E-Bike Sharing: Electric biking is a great option for Penn State students giving them the flexibility in moving within the university and surroundings at any time. Students are charged $1 to unlock Spin bikes, and an additional $0.32 every minute after that. Alternatively, one can obtain a monthly Spin+ Membership at $4, which will enable a user to ride without incurring unlocking fees. The most frequented locations include East Halls, Willard Building and Old Main.