- Central Penn College is a career-oriented, baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate, residential college in Summerdale, a suburb of Harrisburg, with an offsite location in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Central Penn College offers associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs for both traditional and continuing education students by providing hands-on and online distance education taught by experienced, caring faculty.
School Highlights
Central Penn College serves 684 students (20% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 684 students
- Private-state tuition: $18,714
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 52%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Central Penn College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
Diversity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 58% over five years.
Central Penn College
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Year Founded
1881
Campus Size
58 acres
Total Faculty
42 staff
28 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
Central Penn College opens opportunities for students from a variety of academic backgrounds by providing the education needed for employment and advancement in their fields.
Student Body
The student population of Central Penn College has declined by 28% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Central Penn College diversity score of 0.71 is more than the state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has grown by 36% over five years.
Total Enrollment
684 students
382 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
22:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
140 students
294 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
544 students
88 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
671 students
370 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
140 students
292 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Graduate Students
29 students
14 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
531 students
88 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
13 students
9 students
% Asian
3%
4%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
10%
12%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
15%
15%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
48%
50%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
3%
1%
% Unknown races
15%
14%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.69
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
36%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,500
$36,700
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $18,714 is more than the state average of $17,466. The private state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$18,714
$17,466
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
89%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$23,558
$13,310
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,334
$6,297
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Acceptance Rate
18%
82%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
SAT Reading (Year 2017)
390
480
SAT Math (Year 2017)
395
460
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Central Penn College is a career-oriented, baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate, residential college in Summerdale, a suburb of Harrisburg, with an offsite location in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Central Penn College offers associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs for both traditional and continuing education students by providing hands-on and online distance education taught by experienced, caring faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Central Penn College cost?
Central Penn College's private state tuition is approximately $18,714.
What schools are Central Penn College often compared to?
Central Penn Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Harrisburg Area Community College by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Central Penn College?
The acceptance rate of Central Penn College is 18%, which is lower than the state average of 82%. Central Penn College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What is Central Penn College's ranking?
Central Penn College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Pennsylvania for: Lowest acceptance rates, Diversity in US community colleges and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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