Penn State Athletics recently released its financial report for the 2024-25 year, where it generated $254.9 million. Various costs for events, benefits, promotions, and more were available for public view, but what were some of the most random expenses paid for by the school?

Fencing

Fencing’s outside operating expenses appear to be more expensive than previously considered. Both the men’s and women’s teams generated a combined number of $183,494 for team expenses, which doesn’t include non-team travel or team banquets and awards. 

That figure is larger than sports including golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, tennis, track and field, and cross country. 

Subjects within the “Other Operating Expenses” on the financial report may include supplies, training, advertising, and more. The fencing team has been known to be Penn State’s “quiet dynasty,” but as a sport that doesn’t gain as much popularity as football, hockey, volleyball, wrestling, and many more, it could be a surprise that the expenses are so high.

Fencing does require a heavier and more complex set of equipment. Not every sport has swords and a full body suit, so it could be a shock to what fencing costs might be. However, with an impressive track record at Penn State, fencing could generate a higher audience in years to come. 

Fundraising, Marketing, & Promotions

Penn State continues to spend large quantities of money on marketing ideas to the public. The school spent $1,408,929 on items like brochures or media guides.

Spending excessive amounts of money on brochures that most people throw away may not seem necessary. There are plenty of online brochures as well; however, over a million dollars to fund online advertising could appear excessive.

The world has undoubtedly shifted into online marketing and promoting, and other factors like fundraising have to be taken into account for universities. Providing emails and donor recognition is necessary, and there is more to advertising than brochures and websites. 

Football Postseason

It wasn’t necessarily random that Penn State hosted a playoff football game, but it was new for the school’s expenses.

Penn State played SMU in its first-ever home playoff game, winning 38-10. However, Penn State holds one of the biggest stadiums in the world, and there are many expenses put into football operations. The school poured $2.5 million into the game alone.

Severance Cost

Penn State has faced a lot of coaching turnover in the past year, to say the least.

Penn State spent $1.7 million in severance payments this year. The two sports reported for having expenses toward severance were swimming and diving, and football.

Tim Murphy, the former swimming and diving coach, did not have his contract renewed following the 2024 season. This caused a loss of $53,198 for both the men’s and women’s teams. 

Now, the elephant in the room: Penn State paid James Franklin $1.1 million to leave Happy Valley. Penn State fans worried about Franklin’s near $50 million buyout and what it could mean for the program, but the school negotiated it down to around $9 million when he struck a deal with Virginia Tech. Now, according to the report, Penn State only forked over $1.1 million to the Hokies’ new boss.

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Folks interested in viewing some of Penn State’s other expenses can view the full financial report here.