Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Virtual Tour

Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with its main campus in University Park. Founded in 1855, this public research university is one of the largest in the U.S. by enrollment. Its strong research focus includes a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, particularly through its Applied Research Lab, which has supported the U.S. Navy since 1945. Penn State provides 275 bachelor’s degree programs across 24 campuses, an Online World Campus, and numerous study abroad options, including faculty-led, semester, and summer programs. The University Park campus is also home to the prestigious Schreyer Honors College.

Admissions

Key Admissions Stats

• Institution Type: Public, Not-for-Profit, Coed
• Need Aware: The school may consider an applicant’s financial situation during admissions.

See Your Fit

• Level of Institution: 4-Year
• Campus Setting: Small city
• Acceptance Rate: 55%

Admissions Requirements

• SAT: Not required
• ACT: Not required
• Transcript: Not required

Important Deadlines

Application Type	Application Deadline	Reply Deadline
Early Action	November 1	May 1
Fall Regular Decision	December 1	May 1
Spring Regular Decision	November 1	–

Admitted Student Stats

• In-State Students: 51%
• Out-of-State Students: 37%
• International Students: 7%
• Students Submitting ACT: 38%
• Students Submitting SAT: 38%
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1201

Academics

Key Academic Stats

• Highest Degree Offered: Doctorate
• Total Students: 50,028
• Undergraduates: 41,745
• Academic Calendar: Semester

See Your Fit

• Class Sizes:
  • 2-19 Students: 34%
  • 20-39 Students: 39%
  • 40-99 Students: 19%
  • 100+ Students: 6%
• Graduation Rates:
  • 4-Year: 69% (National: 28%)
  • 6-Year: 85% (National: 52%)
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1 (National: 21:1)

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Key Financial Stats

• Average Net Price: $25,548
• Tuition:
  • In-State: $20,234
  • Out-of-State: $40,188
• Additional Costs:
  • Room & Board: $13,030
  • Books & Supplies: $1,840

Aid & Grants

• Students Receiving Gift Aid: 14%
• Average Aid Per Year: $10,066
• Students Receiving Grants: 14%
  • Avg. Federal Grant: $4,147
  • Avg. Institutional Grant: $9,167

Student Loans

• Students Borrowing Loans: 47%
• Average Loan Amount Per Year: $13,414
• Average Debt at Graduation: $19,500
• Median Monthly Loan Payment: $247

Campus Life

Key Campus Stats

• Student Gender:
  • Male: 53% (National: 44%)
  • Female: 47% (National: 56%)
• Student Organizations: 986
• Town Size: Small city
• LGBTQIA Resources: Yes
• On-Campus Women’s Center: Yes

Housing

• Undergrads Living On Campus: 35%
• Freshman On-Campus Requirement: No

Athletics

• Team Name: Nittany Lions
• School Colors: Blue & White
• Varsity Association: NCAA
• Conference: Big Ten

Campus Safety

• 24/7 Security Patrol: Yes
• Emergency Phones: Yes

After Graduation

Post-Grad Stats

• Top 5 Cities Alumni Move To:
  • Philadelphia
  • New York
  • Pittsburgh
  • State College
  • Washington
• Employed Within 6 Months: 72%
• Average Salary After 6 Years: $57,200

What Students Are Saying

“Penn State was a large, beautiful school with endless major options. There were so many activities, clubs, and people to meet.” – Michelle

“I couldn’t be happier with my choice for undergrad. Penn State offers top academics, extracurriculars, Greek life, study abroad, and more. The campus is one of the safest in the country, and the atmosphere makes me never want to leave!”