Affordable State College Apartments
Matt Perkins • August 31, 2020
Reasonably Priced Student and Professional Apartments Available
In the first couple of years of your college career, you have the wonderful (/s) opportunity of staying in the college dorms and experiencing college life at its finest. At some point in time, however, you're going to get to venture out, spread your wings and find off campus living to suit your college career needs.
Living off campus gives you a greater sense of independence and makes you feel more like the adult that you are quickly becoming. The challenge, however, is finding an apartment. It is important to find an affordable apartment that is close to Penn State campus and located in a great neighborhood. If you're one of the fortunate college students who have transportation, then you can afford to venture a little further out. However, having your own car may not be in the cards for you. In such cases, it is important to find the right State College apartment that is convenient to the PSU campus and other attractions.
Matt Perkins is the General Manager at ApartmentsStateCollege.com, a rental management company that specializes in State College apartments for students and working professionals.
“Each of our affordable State College apartment complexes is situated in a different neighborhood. Some complexes have green space while others sit next to night life and shopping. Let us know what you are looking for and we can guide you into your desired environment.”
Before you endeavor to find an apartment, you need to determine what your budget is and if you can afford the apartment by yourself. If you're not able to afford the apartment by yourself, you may need to consider getting a roommate.
Using the Department of Student Affairs
In your quest to find your college apartment, it is important to use every resource at your disposal. Utilizing Penn State’s Department of Student Affairs is an excellent way to get information on the off campus housing situation in the area. If you are an existing or returning college student, you may already know the surrounding area and which apartment you want to live in. If, on the other hand, you are new to State College, you may need some assistance.
Look at housing options ahead of time.
There's no better way to find what you're looking for then to get a jump on the competition. The best time to start looking for college housing is during non-peak times. After you finish your semester and you're ready to move off campus, it’s best to start planning at that point. Make plans to start your State College apartment search long before it's time to move in. Last minute planning leads to rush decisions. You want to utilize the time during the summer to comfortably explore potential neighborhoods before the upcoming school year. This allows you to make a decision that is well informed and you're not so rushed to make a knee-jerk decision. You’ll have plenty of time to search multiple options and to ask pertinent questions. It also gives you time to complete the application process without being rushed. The key here is to find the right apartment so that you're not making last minute decisions prior to the first day of the next semester.
Perkins and his team specialize in helping each of their rental customers find the right place for them.
“We are always here help each and every one of our customers,” Perkins says. “We have office hours Monday through Friday. If you ever need anything please reach out to us”
Seek the advice of a rental management company
Using a rental management company that operates multiple properties is another great option to find your college apartment. Not only are they professional, but they have an extensive knowledge of the surrounding areas and the attractions.
Perkins sums up the rental experience at ApartmentsStateCollege.com with one word - personalized.
“We are a local State College rental company that has a culture focused on customer service,” Perkins says. “Each of our residents is a person to us and not a faceless number.”
If you are an existing or returning student, you may already have an idea of which apartments are located in the better neighborhoods and any areas that you want to stay close to.
If you are a newer student, you will need help in finding the right apartment home to fit your needs. The State College apartment experts at ApartmentsStateCollege.com are experts at helping you locate apartments that are within close proximity of the college campus and affordable.
Yes, that’s right - according to Perkins, affordable State College apartments exist!
“All of our properties are priced at a rate that is very competitive in the market,” Perkins says. “We do not have many of the luxuries that many of the newer properties and as a result can keep the rates much lower than the competition.”
Use rental references
Once you found the apartment that fits your needs, it is important you provide the necessary paperwork to apply for and get the apartment house that you want. This includes filling out the application, providing any deposits for down payment and providing any rental references. In a competitive college housing market, it may be to your benefit to provide rental references to show that you are reliable and capable of paying the rent. If this is your first time renting an apartment, you may need to seek the help of your parents to secure the apartment that you desire. Apartment owners are more likely to rent to students who use references of previous landlords or are able to use their parents as a cosigner for the lease.
Make sure your credit is in good standing
Even though you're in college, your credit still matters. The majority of apartment rental companies still rely on credit reports as a way to gauge if an individual is responsible and will pay the rent on time. Prior to applying for an apartment, it would be wise to pull your credit report to see if there are any items that would hurt your ability to apply for a rental lease.
If there is an issue on your credit, be prepared to discuss the issue with the apartment rental company. Be as honest and is open as possible when providing information on the rental application.
There are times when an apartment rental company will accept your parents as a cosigner or they may require your parents apply for the lease in their name until you're able to build your own credit or repair any credit issues. Be prepared to supply credit information to your potential landlord.
“Using a parent as a co-signer is certainly an option,” Perkins says. “Many people who are studying full time at the university do not have an income so they qualify for the apartment with a co-signer.”
No co-signer? You’ll just need to make sure your income is enough to qualify.
“If a person wants to qualify independently we make sure that rent does not exceed 40% of their income,” Perkins says.
At the end of the day, the more prepared you are for your apartment search, the smoother the process will be. Utilizing the resources available to you to find a great apartment in State College is the best way to search for your new place. Make sure you leave no stone unturned when it comes to searching for your apartment. Resources such as State College apartment rental companies and Penn State’s Department of Student Affairs are great to use when you don't know where to start.
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As the rental landscape shifts heading into 2026, students searching for apartments in State College — especially near Penn State University — need to be prepared. Understanding key trends, planning early, and knowing what to look for will help you secure a great place. Here’s a guide to what’s new and what remains essential. 1. Early Leasing Is Even More Important Data shows that in the student-housing sector, preleasing rates are strong . For example, national markets reported preleasing in the Yardi 200 dataset at 85.3% by June for the 2025-26 cycle. Multifamily Executive+2Student Housing Business+2 For students looking at student apartments near Penn State , that means you’ll want to start your search well in advance — think fall of the previous year for a lease starting in August/September 2026. 2. Expect More Focus on Value and Flexibility – With rising costs and more choices, renters increasingly look for value-driven options (utilities included, furnished, shorter lease terms). – Reports indicate the student housing market is seeing affordability pressures and shifts in renter preferences. Student Housing Business+1 3. New Supply Means More Options — But Also More Competition According to a national student housing supply report, by fall 2026 there are ~30,000 new beds across 37 campuses scheduled. RealPage In the State College market, this means students may have more options but must act quickly and choose wisely to get the best units (location, amenities, price). 4. Location, Amenities & Tech Still Matter While the basics remain the same (proximity to campus, safe neighborhood, cost), in 2026 you’ll see stronger emphasis on: High-speed internet and good study spaces (students are more digital-and-remote friendly) Community and wellness features (quiet zones, outdoor space, mental-health friendly design) — trends flagged by design/architecture firms. Gensler Smart pricing and lease transparency: how much is included, what you’re really paying for. 5. Be Smart About Lease Terms & Budgeting When renting in 2026 in State College, students should ask: What is included in the rent (utilities, internet, parking)? Is the lease individual (you’re on your own) or joint (all roommates responsible)? What are subletting or summer lease options? Are there incentives (early-leasing discounts, move-in specials for 2026) your property manager is offering? Conclusion Renting a student apartment in State College in 2026 is going to be about being early , informed , and strategic . Students who start their search early, understand what’s included in rent, and pick properties that highlight value and convenience will have the edge.
Renting your first apartment in State College, PA is a big step — especially if you're a Penn State student moving off-campus. With dozens of student apartment complexes, private rentals, and housing options near campus, it’s important to know what to expect before you sign a lease. Here's a helpful guide for first-time renters navigating the State College student housing market. Apartments Rent Quickly — Plan Ahead State College is a true college town. That means thousands of Penn State students are all looking for apartments at the same time — usually for August move-ins. Many properties begin leasing nearly a year in advance , so start your search in the fall semester if you plan to move the following summer or fall. Pro tip: Waiting until spring means you may be choosing from limited availability. Expect to Pay First and Last Month’s Rent (and Maybe More) When signing a lease for State College apartments, you’ll likely need: First month’s rent Last month’s rent Security deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent) Application fee Pro tip: Make sure you budget for these upfront costs. Ask your landlord or property manager exactly what’s due at signing so there are no surprises. Not All Apartments Are Furnished Some student apartments near Penn State come fully furnished — especially larger complexes aimed at undergraduates. But many privately owned units do not. Always ask: Is furniture included? Is there a bed, desk, or couch? Are appliances included (microwave, fridge, etc.)? Pro tip: If you’re bringing your own furniture, factor in moving costs. Parking Might Cost Extra Parking in State College can be limited, especially downtown or near campus. If you’re bringing a car, check: Is a parking spot included in rent? Is it on-site or off-site? Is there guest parking? Pro tip: Some properties offer assigned spots , while others rely on street parking or municipal lots. If you don’t need a car, you may be able to save money by skipping parking altogether. Learn the Lease Terms Carefully Many apartments in State College are leased by the year — not by the academic semester. Read the lease carefully and ask: What is the lease length? Are sublets allowed in summer? Who is responsible for utilities? Are there quiet hours, guest policies, or other rules? Pro tip: Some properties offer individual leases (you’re only responsible for your rent), while others offer joint leases (all roommates share responsibility). Utilities Aren’t Always Included Make sure you ask what’s included in the rent: Heat Water Electricity Internet/Wi-Fi Trash service Pro tip: All-inclusive rent can be easier for budgeting, especially for students, but it may be slightly higher. Work With Local Property Managers Instead of only using big national apartment websites, check listings from local property managers in State College. They often have: Earlier access to listings Better knowledge of the student rental cycle Competitive pricing Pro tip: Working with a local team makes maintenance and communication easier once you move in. Final Thoughts: Renting in State College as a First-Time Renter Finding your first student apartment near Penn State can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps you avoid costly mistakes. Start your search early, ask the right questions, and work with a trusted local property manager to find a place that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Smart, Stylish, and Stress-Free Guide To State College Apartments