Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Penn State Dickinson Law
Tuition and fees are the largest component of the cost of attendance for law students. The average tuition and fees for full-time students at Penn State Dickinson Law is $52,526 for in-state and $52,526 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $60,479 to $52,526, reflecting broader trends in higher education costs and institutional funding challenges.
In addition to tuition, living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance. On-campus housing costs $23,120, while off-campus living averages $23,120 and living at home costs approximately $7,954 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have decreased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $28,902 to $23,120 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Penn State Dickinson Law saw a 2.41% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 15.14%.
| Academic Year | In-State | Out-of-State | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,526 | $52,526 | - |
| 2022 | $53,558 | $53,558 | 1.96% |
| 2023 | $56,774 | $56,774 | 6% |
| 2024 | $57,902 | $57,902 | 1.99% |
| 2025 | $59,054 | $59,054 | 1.99% |
| 2026 | $60,479 | $60,479 | 2.41% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Penn State Dickinson Law saw a 16.57% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 18.16%.
| Academic Year | In-State On-Campus | In-State Off-Campus | In-State At Home | Out-of-State On-Campus | Out-of-State Off-Campus | Out-of-State At Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $75,646 | $75,646 | $60,480 | $75,646 | $75,646 | $60,480 |
| 2022 | $76,678 | $76,678 | $63,352 | $76,678 | $76,678 | $63,352 |
| 2023 | $81,424 | $81,424 | $64,728 | $81,424 | $81,424 | $64,728 |
| 2024 | $85,302 | $85,302 | $65,856 | $85,302 | $85,302 | $65,856 |
| 2025 | $85,854 | $85,854 | $59,054 | $85,854 | $85,854 | $59,054 |
| 2026 | $89,381 | $88,573 | $73,379 | $89,381 | $88,573 | $73,379 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Penn State Dickinson Law's living costs have increased from $23,120 to $28,902 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $23,120 to $28,094.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,120 | $23,120 | $7,954 | - |
| 2022 | $23,120 | $23,120 | $9,794 | - |
| 2023 | $24,650 | $24,650 | $7,954 | 6.62% |
| 2024 | $27,400 | $27,400 | $7,954 | 11.16% |
| 2025 | $26,800 | $26,800 | - | -2.19% |
| 2026 | $28,902 | $28,094 | $12,900 | 7.84% |
