by our College Data Analytics TeamIt is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $8,700 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $5,836. Altogether, an on-campus student at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona paid roughly $25,482 in 2026 in total yearly living costs beyond tuition.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $19,494 | $20,294 |
| — Housing | $8,700 | |
| — Meals | $5,836 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $4,788 | $4,788 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Total | $25,482 | $26,282 |
Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. Knowing where it is headed helps you budget for the full degree, not just year one.
The projected four-year total comes to about $109,474 by the time you graduate.
See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $17,532 |
| Two Years Ago | $17,772 |
| One Year Ago | $18,608 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $19,494 |
| One Year From Now * | $20,221 |
| Two Years From Now * | $20,975 |
| Three Years From Now * | $21,757 |
| Four Years From Now * | $22,569 |
* estimated
Most recently, on-campus costs increased an average of 3.7% a year over the last three years. If that pace holds, room and board would land around $26,209 in their first year.
By their final year, a student might pay about $28,557 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $26,963 in the final year of a two-year (associate) degree.
Over a four-year stay, the projected room, board and living-cost total is about $109,474 for four years, or about $53,172 for a two-year (associate) degree.
Room and board tends to rise year over year at most schools, so a freshman should expect to pay more by senior year.
The table below outlines what this school reports about on-campus housing.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 889 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |