uniRank: World Universities Rankings & Reviews
Colleges & Universities in the United States

Penn State University

country rank  41
world rank  47

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Overview

Established in 1855, the Penn State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of University Park (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania. This institution also has branch campuses in Abington, Logan Township, Monaca, Spring Township, Media, DuBois, Erie, Uniontown, McKeesport, Middletown, Hazleton, Fogelsville, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill Haven, Sharon, Lehman, Dunmore, York, Carlisle, Malvern, Hershey and Williamsport. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Penn State University (PSU) is a very large sized (uniRank enrollment range: over-50,000 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Penn State University (PSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 170-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. PSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

Penn State University's Control Typepublic

Entity

Penn State University's Entity Typenon-profit

Size

Penn State University' Size by Total Enrollmentvery large sized

Selectivity

Penn State University's Selectivity by Acceptance Rateaveragely selective

University Identity

Name
Name (English)
Name (Non Latin)
Acronym PSU
Founded 1855
Motto Making life better
Colours Blue and white
Mascot Nittany Lion
Video Presentation

University Location

Address 201 Old Main
University Park
16802-1589 Pennsylvania
United States
Penn State University's location map and satellite view Location Map and Satellite View
Penn State University Phone Number (814) 865 4700
Penn State University Fax Number
Other locations Abington, Logan Township, Monaca, Spring Township, Media, DuBois, Erie, Uniontown, McKeesport, Middletown, Hazleton, Fogelsville, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill Haven, Sharon, Lehman, Dunmore, York, Carlisle, Malvern, Hershey and Williamsport

Search Engine

for programs, courses, degrees, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to find and learn about . Our search engine is powered by Google.

Fields of Study / Degree Levels

Introduction

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.


Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix of Penn State University is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify Penn State University's academic range and degree level offering.



Penn State University: Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix
Undergraduate Postgraduate
PreBach
degrees		 Bachelor
degrees		 Master
degrees		 Doctoral
degrees

 
 
 
 
A&H
L&C
B&S
M&H
S&T
Eng

Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Penn State University's areas of study and degree levels currently offered. The above matrix may not be complete or up-to-date.

Programs and Courses

Programs/Courses/Degrees

Click here to explore a list of , or if they are not available yet, search for them with our powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our Guide to University Programs and Courses to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects and salary expectations for careers associated with more than 8,100 programs and courses.


Tuition Fees

Introduction

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.


Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

This Tuition Fees Range Matrix of Penn State University categorizes tuition fees by student type (local or international) and degree level (undergraduate or postgraduate). It aims to help students get an approximate idea of the estimated yearly tuition fees at Penn State University.



Penn State University: Tuition Fees Range Matrix
Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students		 17,500-19,999 US$ (15,950-18,225 Euro) over 20,000 US$ (18,225 Euro)
International
students		 over 20,000 US$ (18,225 Euro) over 20,000 US$ (18,225 Euro)

Tip: search for Penn State University's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: please contact the university's Admission Office for detailed information on Penn State University's yearly tuition fees, which apply to your specific situation and study interest; tuition fees may vary by program, citizenship/residency, study mode (i.e., face to face or online, part time or full time), as well as other factors. The above matrix is indicative only and may not be up-to-date.

Admissions

Introduction

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our "Introduction to University Admissions" article to learn more.


Admission Information

Penn State University's Gender Admission Policy Gender Admission

This institution admits men and women (coeducational).


Penn State University's Admission Selection Admission Selection

This higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

This institution acceptance rate range is 50-59% making it an averagely selective higher education institution.


Minority Serving Minority Serving

This institution does not have a special focus on promoting education or research among a specific minority or ethnic group.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

  • - Secondary school GPA is required
  • - Secondary school rank is neither required nor recommended
  • - Secondary school record is required
  • - Completion of college-preparatory program is recommended
  • - Recommendations are neither required nor recommended
  • - Formal demonstration of competencies is neither required nor recommended
  • - Admission test scores are required
  • - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required
  • - Other Tests (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) are neither required nor recommended


    Penn State University's International Students Admission International Students Admission

    International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.


    Penn State University's Admission Office Admission Office

    201 Shields Building
    University Park 16802-1503
    (814) 865 5471


Tip: search for Penn State University's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by the areas of study, degree level, student's nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact Penn State University's Admission Office for detailed information on their admission selection policy and acceptance rate. The above information may not be complete or up-to-date.

Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university.


Size and Profile

Penn State University's Total Student Enrollment Student Enrollment

This institution has a student enrollment of more than 50,000 students, making it a very large-sized institution.


Penn State University's Total Faculty/Academic staff Academic Staff

This institution's academic staff ranges from 4,000 to 4,499 members.


Penn State University's Control Type Control Type

This institution is a public higher education institution.


Penn State University's Entity Type Entity Type

This institution is a non-profit higher education institution.


Penn State University's Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a rural setting.


Penn State University's Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a semesters academic calendar, a scheduling system where the academic year is divided into two main terms, or semesters, each typically lasting about 15 to 18 weeks, separated by a long break, usually a winter or summer vacation.


(

Land Grant Institution Land Grant

This institution Is a land-grant university And has a special focus On promoting education And research in agriculture, engineering And other related fields. Land-grant universities are also well known To have a high commitment To Public service And outreach.


)

Penn State University's Disabled Students Friendliness Disabled Students %

Not reported


Penn State University is None Religious Affiliation

None.


Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.


University Facilities


Penn State University's Library University Library

Yes Visit Penn State University's Library
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's library collection is comprised of both physical (i.e. books, medium etc.) and digital/electronic items. In 2018 the library has reported 3,325,427 physical volumes, 2,241,752 physical media, 266,350 digital/electronic medium and 869 licensed digital/electronic databases. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's library has 27 branches.


Penn State University's Housing University Housing

Yes
Penn State University provides on-campus housing. The total dormitory capacity, whether on or off campus, was about 14,039 students in the 2018 academic year.


Penn State University's Sport Facilities/Activities Sport Facilities/Activities

Yes


Penn State University's Institutional Hospital Institutional Hospital

Yes


University Services


Penn State University's Financial Aid Financial Aid

Yes


Penn State University's Study Abroad Study Abroad

Yes


Penn State University's Distance Learning Distance Learning

Yes


Penn State University's Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

Yes


Penn State University's Career Services Career Services

Yes


Notice: please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Penn State University's facilities and services. The information above is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.

Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.


Penn State University's Recognition or Accreditation Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

Penn State University is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Year of first Recognition or Accreditation

1921


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Penn State University's programmatic accreditations; feel free to submit any relevant missing specialized accreditations.

  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
  • American Society of Landscape Architects, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation
  • Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System


Tip: search for Penn State University's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Important: the above section is intended to include only those reputable organizations (e.g. Ministries or Departments of Higher Education) that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register or more generally recognize Penn State University as a whole (institutional legal recognition), accredit the institution as a whole (institutional accreditation) or accredit its specific programs or courses (programmatic accreditation).

Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.


Affiliations and Memberships

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important Penn State University's affiliations and memberships; feel free to submit any relevant missing higher education-related organizations this university is affiliated with.

  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
  • Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Association of American Universities (AAU)
  • Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA)
  • National Athletic Association (NAA)
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)


Academic Structure

Introduction

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a university focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer divisions and a more streamlined organizational structure. Read our guide article "Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools" to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.


Academic Structure

uniRank shows a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the Penn State University 's organizational structure; feel free to submit any relevant missing division.


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Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics for some of Penn State University's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and as an additional selection tool for potential applicants.


Facebook Facebook

Penn State University's Facebook page review

X X (Twitter)

Penn State University's X page review

YouTube YouTube

Penn State University's Youtube page review

Instagram Instagram

Penn State University's Instagram page review

LinkedIn LinkedIn

Penn State University's official LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

Penn State University's official TikTok channel


Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

The Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization develops, implements, and supports open education.
Penn State University is a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization and publishes open courseware such as free video lectures and course materials.


Wikipedia

Wikipedia Article Wikipedia Article

Penn State University's Wikipedia article

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