H!i I’m a senior living on the west coast applying to Penn State. Both my parents attended Penn State and I was wondering if anyone knew if the school takes legacy into consideration at all for admissions and/or financial aid purposes? Thanks!
Penn State’s reported common data set indicates that Legacy is “considered”, but it isn’t classified as important or very important. Penn State also isn’t likely to take legacy status into consideration for merit or financial aid. As a general rule, Penn State isn’t generous and doesn’t come close to meeting need (total cost - EFC). Most students are given the right to take out a ton of loans. Even kids in Schreyers only get $5k per year, which barely makes a dent. It’s best to assume you won’t get anything and then you won’t be disappointed.
My husband and I are both alumni and we have had two kids at Penn State so far. We were told that legacy may count a “smidge” if a student is really borderline and it could go either way. Does not seem to matter at all for financial aid.