Overview
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its high research activity has led to its Applied Research Lab and the United States Department of Defense maintaining a research partnership for the United States Navy since 1945. Penn State offers 275 bachelor’s degree options across its 24 campuses, an Online World Campus, and a wide variety of Education Abroad opportunities, faculty-led, semester, and summer programs. The University Park campus features the Schreyer Honors College.
Acceptance Rate:
55%
Average Net Price:
$25,548
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.7
Average ACT Composite
26
Average SAT Composite
1201
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $20,234 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $40,188 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $13,030 |
| Books and Supplies | $1840 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Aid & Grants
0
100
63%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,066
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,147
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$9,167
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
9%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$4258
32%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,147
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$156,665,920
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$72,163,957
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
47%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$13,414
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$247
Students receiving federal loans
45%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,354
Average Other Loans Per Year
$26,238
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
85784
Students Applied
46%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
369
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | May 1 |
| Fall Regular Decision | December 1 | May 1 |
| Spring Regular Decision | November 1 |
Application Fee
$65
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
7%
Submitting ACT
38%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 26
Average SAT Composite: 1201
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.7
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
50,028
Total Number of Undergrads
41,745
0
100
69%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
85%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
15:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
226
Faculty Overview
0
100
77%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
55
Countries Represented
133
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
29%
Student Organizations
986
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
35%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
35%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Nittany Lions
School Colors
blue and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Big Ten Conference
Total Male Athletes
474
Total Female Athletes
347
Intramural Sports
12
Sports Club
34
Sports Team (Men)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Sports Team (Women)
- Cross Country
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$57,200
Top 5 Cities
Philadelphia
New York
Pittsburgh
State College
Washington
Top 5 Employers
Pennsylvania State University
IBM
Deloitte
PwC
Johnson & Johnson
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Operations
Education
Sales
Engineering
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Loan Default Rate
6%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$247
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingPenn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in the college experience. Ine general professors and advisers seem to genuinely care about my progress. The only con I find is that since the school is so large many of the courses fill up quickly so stay on your toes.
Eric from Winburne, PA
High school classes never provided the challenge that I felt that I needed academically, but when I got to Penn State I found that. Teachers no longer treated us as children and did their best to stimulate learning and provoke genuine thoughts and discussion. I never had to work harder for grades, but on the same token, I chose really challenging course work and I also learned a lot more that way. I highly reccomend Penn State for those who want to go to college and seriously EARN their degree, learning along the way.
Caitlyn from State College, PA
No matter what class you take, your bound to pick up some information. Whether it is just a general education class or a class to enter your major, you will learn something. One of the benefits of going to such a large school is the diversity in the classes you can take. I guarantee anything you are interested in, Penn State has. From ballroom dancing to hip hop classes, to learning about ice cream and trees, from science to hotels, Penn State has everything you can imagine, and you can have fun doing it.
Jen from Newww Yorkkk
Penn State was a large beautiful school. It offered many different fields for students to choose to major in. There were many activities to do, organizations to join, and people to meet.
Michelle
Many of my classes are challenging, but the professors here (for the most part) are phenomenal. I've been in school since I was five, and I can honestly say in my first semester here alone, I've had probably three of my all time top teachers. They really care about their students and helping them understand the subject and not just memorize information for tests. They are understanding and just great people. It's a wonderful learning experience and makes it so much easier and enjoyable.
Meghan from Downingtown, PA
i couldn't be more content with my choice of university for undergraduate education. penn state has so much to offer for students like me who don't put a limit to their dreams: highly-ranked academics, endless extra-curricular activities, greek life, study abroad options, and more. the campus is named one of the safest in the country, and the atmosphere is so serene that i never want to leave.
Alexandra from Sewell, NJ
The learning environment is so amazing at Penn State. There is literally something for everyone. A class for any type of interest. The professors show you things you never even thought about or heard about. The lessons are so in depth and there are many small versions of normally huge classes you can take if you feel you learn better in a smaller teaching environment. It is weird at times because a lot of people study so much. You can't help but want to join in!
Ashley from Silver Spring, MD
Your Gen Eds are a hit or miss but your teachers will generally know their stuff, some more than others. Overall, my classes taught me what they were supposed to and I genuinely enjoyed learning the courses I had chosen. You're the one responsible, however. If you don't attend your classes, you will suffer the direct and indirect consequences. In addition to the formal education, you have the college experience at the tips of your fingers and each day you venture downtown or anywhere for the matter, you interact with others and learn how to adapt into a young adult.
Ashley from Shohola, PA
Your Penn State Experience hinges solely on what you make of it. The University is bursting at the seams with opportunity, you just have to be your best advocate and find them. If you do, it'll be the most rewarding experience of your life.
Jacob from Bellefonte, PA
This is a school if you want to get your quality education and at the same time, find your own passion for life.
This school is not only conducive environmentally especially for students, both locals and internationals, but also very supportive of your race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.
One more thing, State College is very safe even in the middle of the night if you want to walk home from library, no worries, more studies!
This school is not only conducive environmentally especially for students, both locals and internationals, but also very supportive of your race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.
One more thing, State College is very safe even in the middle of the night if you want to walk home from library, no worries, more studies!
Abdul Aziz from Malaysia
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