Are you planning to attend Penn State University and wondering how much it will cost to live on campus? If so, you are not alone. Many students and their families are interested in the dorm room costs and meal plans at this prestigious institution. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the housing and dining options at Penn State, as well as a comparison with other similar schools. The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at Penn State is $10,127 per semester, but it can vary depending on the type of room, the location of the campus, and the level of the meal plan.

Dorm Room Options at Penn State

Penn State offers a variety of dorm room options for students, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment complexes. Each campus has its own housing options, but some of the most popular ones are located at University Park, the main campus of Penn State. Here are some of the dorm room options at University Park, along with their features and costs per semester:

As you can see, the dorm room costs vary depending on the level of privacy and comfort you prefer. You can also choose to live in special interest housing options that cater to students who share common interests or identities. For example, you can live in a living learning community that connects you with students in your major or academic program. You can also live in a gender-inclusive housing option that allows you to live with students of any gender identity or expression.

Meal Plans at Penn State

Penn State also offers a range of meal plan options for students who want to enjoy the convenience and variety of campus dining. The meal plans are based on dining dollars that you can use at any campus dining location. You can also use LionCash or Commuter Meal Plan as alternative payment methods. Here are some of the meal plan options at Penn State, along with their dining dollars and costs per semester:

The meal plan level you choose depends on how often you eat on campus and how much you spend per meal. The higher the level, the more dining dollars you get and the more you pay. You can change your meal plan level anytime until the last day of finals for each semester. You can also add more dining dollars or LionCash if you run out of funds.

The meal plans offer discounts on prepared foods at most campus dining locations. You can also enjoy the all-you-care-to-eat option at five residential dining locations that offer the best value for your money. The meal plans are accepted at every campus dining location across the state at multiple Penn State campuses.

How Does Penn State Compare to Other Schools?

Penn State is not the cheapest option when it comes to dorm room costs and meal plans. According to College Board data from 2020-2021 academic year, the average cost of room and board at public four-year colleges was $11,620 per year or $5,810 per semester. This means that Penn State is about 74% more expensive than the national average for public colleges.

However, Penn State also offers more options and amenities than many other schools. For instance, Penn State has over 30 eateries on campus¹, including the famous Berkey Creamery that serves delicious ice cream and dairy products. Penn State also has modern facilities and services that enhance the quality of life for students living on campus. For example, Penn State has commons desks that provide mail and package services², as well as residence life staff that organize events and activities for students³.

Additionally, Penn State has a reputation for academic excellence and student success that makes it worth the investment. Penn State is ranked among the top public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and has a high graduation rate and alumni network. Penn State also offers a variety of majors and programs that prepare students for their future careers and goals.

FAQs

Q: How do I apply for a dorm room and a meal plan at Penn State?

A: To apply for a dorm room and a meal plan at Penn State, you need to complete the following steps:

• Accept your offer of admission and pay your enrollment fee by May 1.
• Request housing on eLiving and pay your $100 housing deposit by May 15.
• Receive an invitation to view available housing options on eLiving and select your preferred option by June 30.
• Receive a Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract offer on eLiving and accept it by the offer expiration date.
• Purchase a meal plan on eLiving under Contracts > Purchase Meal Plan link by August 1.
• Move in to your dorm room on the designated date in August.

For more information, visit the LiveOn Housing Process Timeline².

Q: Can I cancel my dorm room or meal plan contract at Penn State?

A: You can cancel your dorm room or meal plan contract at Penn State, but you may be subject to cancellation fees or penalties depending on the timing and reason of your cancellation. You can cancel your contract on eLiving under Contracts > Cancel Contract link. The cancellation fees are as follows:

• Before accepting the HFS Contract: No fee
• After accepting the HFS Contract but before moving in: $100 housing deposit forfeited
• After moving in but before the first day of classes: $100 housing deposit forfeited + $500 cancellation fee
• After the first day of classes: $100 housing deposit forfeited + $500 cancellation fee + prorated room and board charges

For more information, visit the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations.

Conclusion

Penn State is a great choice for students who want to live on campus and enjoy the benefits of campus dining. The dorm room costs and meal plans at Penn State are higher than the national average, but they also offer more options and amenities than many other schools. Penn State also has a reputation for academic excellence and student success that makes it worth the investment. If you are interested in applying for a dorm room and a meal plan at Penn State, you can do so on eLiving. We hope this blog post has helped you understand the dorm room costs and meal plans at Penn State. For more information and tips on college life, visit DormInfo.com.