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First-time home buyer programs in State College, PA

Quick answer

First-time buyers in State College, PA can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Centre County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible, plus 1 verified city, county or statewide assistance program. On the $414,400 median home, 3% down is about $12,432 and the estimated payment is $3,457/month at 7.18%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $47,132; value-to-income ratio 8.79. State College ranks 6 by home value and 14 by population among 87 places in our PA dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical State College home?

ItemState College
Median home value (Census ACS)$414,400
Pennsylvania median home value$240,500
Down payment (3%)$12,432
Loan amount$401,968
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$3,457
Income needed (28% / 36%)$149,000 / $116,000
Centre County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$832,750
Max purchase price at the limit$858,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Pennsylvania's 1.35% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,217/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in State College?

State College is in Centre County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The State College median home value of $414,400 is 72% above the Pennsylvania median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can State College buyers use?

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

AltoonaWilliamsportCarlisleSt. MarysChambersburgHarrisburg

First-time buyer loan FAQs for State College

On the $414,400 median: 3% conventional ≈ $12,432, 3.5% FHA ≈ $14,504, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Centre County become jumbo loans.

At the $414,400 median value (above the Pennsylvania median of $240,500), the estimated payment of $3,457/month at 7.18% needs about $149,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $116,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 1 statewide programs are verified for this city (1 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.