For students looking to save money on their college education, attending a state school is a good way to get a deal on tuition.

And by choosing a public school in their home state, they can earn a degree at an even lower price.

But some colleges — and some states — offer better deals to their residents than others.

According to a study of undergraduate programs at public institutions surveyed by the College Board, the average tuition and required fees nationwide were $8,244 for the 2011-12 academic year.

In Pennsylvania, the cost to attend one of the 14 state-owned universities hovers right around the average.

The least expensive package among the public schools is $8,082 at Bloomsburg University. Students who attend California University of Pennsylvania face the highest in-state package at $8,912 in tuition and fees for the 2011-12 school year.

The state is able to keep costs in line despite Pennsylvania faculty who are paid more on average than their peers nationwide.

A report released this month by the American Association of University Professors pegged the national average salary for a public university professor at $84,500; associate professor at $69,000; assistant professor at $57,300; and an instructor at $46,700.

Those numbers compare to average Pennsylvania salaries for professors at $96,000; associate professors at $77,200; assistant professors at 62,200; and instructors at $47,400.

Here are some additional facts about the finances of state-owned colleges:

• Faculty members work an average of 55 hours a week. They spend 19 hours providing public service, institutional support and student service, 17 preparing and evaluating coursework, 11 in the classroom and eight doing research.

• The average salary at Millersville University for a professor is $96,000; $77,000 for an associate professor; $60,500 for an assistant professor; and $45,000 for an instructor.

• In the past five years, the state has cut $55 million in educational and general appropriations to the state system.

• Tuition at Millersville University has increased by $1,963 over the past five years for Pennsylvania students.

kshuey@lnpnews.com