Parents and Families

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At a Glance

Get a quick overview of Penn State Altoona, including enrollment statistics, academic information, tuition, and more!

Learn About Penn State Altoona
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Parents of Incoming Students

Welcome to Penn State Altoona! We are delighted to welcome you to the Penn State Altoona family and to provide support and information as your student makes the transition from high school to college. Please use the menu links to find the information from the Division of Student Affairs that is relevant to you and your student.

Learn More
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Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center
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Student Billing

Student BillingThe University's Bursar’s office manages all aspects of the student account for all students at Penn State and can answer any questions regarding your student account. Payments and scholarship checks should be submitted online or via mail to the Bursar's office at University Park.

Learn more about the Bursar's Office
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Visit Us

The photos, facts, and stories are all great, but nothing replaces an actual campus visit. Choose the visitation experience that's right for you and get to know Penn State Altoona!

Three first-year students taking a selfie with the Nittany Lion

Admission and Financial Aid

From first-year, transfer, and international students to veterans from our Armed Forces and high school guidance counselors, we have the information you need. Our Financial Aid Office helps students and families explore their financial options when deciding how to fund college costs.

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New Student Orientation

After placement testing, students attend a one-day mandatory program during the summer or in January to secure a Penn State ID card, discuss placement test results and academic plans, participate in course scheduling and registration, and learn about student life and campus involvement. Family members are encouraged to attend New Student Orientation to participate in information sessions designed especially for you.

Learn About New Student Orientation
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Academic Opportunities and Resources

You've got options! Start your education at Penn State Altoona and choose to stay here to complete one of our degree programs, or begin one of Penn State's 275+ majors here and complete them at another Penn State campus. While you're here, explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning.

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Student Services and Safety

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Guidelines for Emergencies

In the event of a campus emergency, Penn State Altoona posts news and other official information as quickly as possible on to the Penn State Altoona homepage.