Pennsylvania State University
About Pennsylvania State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Penn State is a public research university in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest and most respected public universities in the country, with top programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and education. Penn State has a massive alumni network and one of the most passionate sports cultures in college athletics.
Founded
1855
Location
University Park, Pennsylvania
Students
50,417
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
86.1%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$20,644
Out-of-state: $41,790
Avg Net Price
$32,875
After financial aid
SAT Average
1337
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,435
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.6 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Pennsylvania State University accepts 60.6% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1337/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.6%
4-Year Grad
69%
6-Year Grad
85%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
86.5%
$/Student
$15.7K
Class Size
Medium
69% of students graduate on time, and 86.5% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$20,644
In-State
$41,790
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,474
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$39,694
After Financial Aid
$32,875
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$19,845
Receive Grants
13.9%
Take Loans
39.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $39,694/yr for in-state students, including $14,474 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $32,875. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $41,790.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pennsylvania State University fund their education.
While in School
13.9%
Get Grants
Free money
39.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,924
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $63K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pennsylvania State University.
Gender
47.4%
Female
53%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
42,284
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,133
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
1.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (47% women, 53% men). 28.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9.3% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
42,284
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +State College is the quintessential college town
- +Beaver Stadium and Penn State football are iconic
- +Massive alumni network opens doors nationwide
- +Strong engineering, business, and research programs
Cons
- -State College is isolated in central PA
- -Very large university can feel impersonal
- -Cold, snowy Pennsylvania winters
- -Out-of-state tuition is quite expensive
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pennsylvania State University fields 16 varsity teams with 968 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
16
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
968
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
555
Men
413
Women
14
Men's Teams
13
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Pennsylvania State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,435
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$69K
577 grads
1yr Earnings
Information Science/Studies
$66K
489 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$84K
458 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
446 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$70K
374 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$51K
361 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $56K at six years, $51K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pennsylvania State University
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University?▾
How much does Pennsylvania State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University?▾
How much do Pennsylvania State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.