Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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.
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
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
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 |
Admitted Student Stats
7%
Submitting ACT
38%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 26
Average SAT Composite: 1201
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
50,028
Total Number of Undergrads
41,745
Classroom Sizes
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: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
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 |
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
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
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
986
Size of Town
Small city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
35%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Nittany Lions
School Colors
blue and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Big Ten Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Philadelphia
New York
Pittsburgh
State College
Washington
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
72%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$57,200
What Students Are Saying
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
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
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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