Guide to Consumer Information

Per federal regulations set forth by The Higher Education Act of 1965 (amended in 2008), educational institutions are required to disclose specific consumer information about the school and the availability of student financial aid to prospective and continuing students.

The following is a summary of the consumer information subject areas and references to additional details and reports. If you need assistance or paper copies, please contact the Office of Student Aid.

General Institutional Information

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Consumer Information on College Navigator Website for accreditation information
Services for Disabled Students — Penn State offers services for students with disabilities.
Student Body Diversity
Price of Attendance
Net Price Calculator
Refund Policy — Information about tuition adjustments based on drops and withdrawals and refunds of credit balances
Withdrawal Procedures — An outline of the process to leave the University if you are unable to complete the semester
Textbook Information
Academic Programs — Links to programs of study at Penn State
Instructional Facilities and Labs — Maps are available for location information about University Park instructional facilities.
Campus, college, and departmental websites include additional details.
Instructional Personnel–Campus, college, and departmental websites include contact information for faculty and instructors.
Transfer of Credit Policies
Articulation Agreements
Accreditation Information — Penn State is accredited by the Commission on Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Commission on Higher Education is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Copies of documents related to accreditation are available online.
Copyright Infringement Policies and Sanctions (including computer use and file sharing)
Teacher Preparation Program Report
Public Accountability — As Pennsylvania's land-grant university, Penn State continually seeks to make information about its activities and services readily accessible to interested citizens.
Visit General Information About Penn State to learn more about the scope, mission, and operations of the University.

Student Financial Assistance

Types of Aid Available
Applying for Aid
Determination of Eligibility
Terms and Conditions of Student Employment
State Grant Information
Rights and Responsibilities
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Entrance Counseling — Select "Entrance Counseling" from the menu
Exit Counseling — Select "Loan Exit Interview" from the menu
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
Study Abroad — Student financial aid is available to students who study abroad through Penn State programs.
Federal Stafford Loan Deferments
Federal Stafford Loan Forgiveness
Federal Perkins/University Loan Deferments and Cancellations
Withdrawal and Aid Adjustment — Withdrawing from the University can impact current semester and future semester eligibility for aid.
Dropping Credits and Aid Adjustment — Dropping credits can impact current semester and future semester eligibility for aid.
Private Loan Lenders
Department of Education Student Loan Information
Code of Conduct for Education Loans
Assistance With Student Financial Aid Inquiries

Student Retention and Graduation Rates

Intercollegiate Athletic Program

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV, federal student financial assistance program, and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses, by men's and women's teams. The Department uses the information to prepare its required report to the Congress on gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.

Equity in Athletics Data Analysis
Penn State Intercollegiate Athletic Scholarships Penn State offers athletic grants in 29 varsity sports, 15 men's and 14 women's, at the University Park campus. Athletic grants are awarded by the individual coach responsible for the sport.