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- Penn State University
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uniRank University Ranking™
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 169-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
public
Entity
non-profit
Size
very large-sized
Selectivity
averagely selective
University Identity
| Name | Penn State University  |
|---|---|
| Acronym | PSU |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Motto | Making life better |
| Colours | Blue and white |
| Mascot | Nittany Lion |
| Screenshot |  |
| Video Presentation | n.a.; please submit an official Penn State University general video presentation. |
University Location
| Address | 201 Old Main University Park 16802-1589 Pennsylvania United States |
|---|---|
| Location Map and Satellite View | |
 | +1 (814) 865 4700 |
 | +1 |
| 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
Click here to search Penn State University's website for programs, online courses, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to search and learn about Penn State University.
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 Penn State University's Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix 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.
PreBachdegrees | Bachelordegrees | Masterdegrees | Doctoraldegrees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Engineering | ||||
Pre-Bachelor's degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to tertiary certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate degrees that are below the bachelor's degree level.
2) usually take less than 2 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as short-cycle tertiary education (ISCED Level 5) programs that are typically practically based, vocational or occupationally specific and prepare for labor market entry. These programs may also provide a pathway to other tertiary programs such as bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to bachelor's degrees.
2) usually take between 3 to 5 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as bachelor's or equivalent (ISCED Level 6) programs that are designed to provide intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a first tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Master's degrees
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to master's degrees.
2) usually take between 1 to 3 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as master's or equivalent (ISCED Level 7) programs that are designed to provide advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a second tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Doctoral degree
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to doctorate degrees.
2) usually take 4 or more years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as doctorate or equivalent (ISCED Level 8) programs that are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification, usually concluding with the submission and defense of a substantive dissertation of publishable quality based on original research.
Arts & Humanities
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Applied Arts
- Classics
- Design
- Education
- Fine Arts
- History
- Literature
- Museum Studies
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Religion and Theology
- Visual Arts
- Other Arts & Humanities Studies
Business & Social Sciences
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Accounting / Finance
- Anthropology / Archaeology
- Business / Commerce / Management
- Communication and Media Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- Law
- Library and Information Science
- Physical Education / Sport Science
- Political and International Studies
- Social Policy / Public Administration
- Social Work
- Sociology / Psychology
- Tourism / Hospitality
- Other Business & Social Science Studies
Language & Cultural
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Aboriginal / Indigenous People Studies
- African Studies
- American & Caribbean Studies
- Ancient and Modern Languages
- Asian Studies
- English Studies
- European Studies
- French Studies
- Germanic Studies
- Indian / South Asian Studies
- Italian Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Portuguese Studies
- Russian / Eastern European Studies
- Spanish Studies
- Other Language & Cultural Studies
Medicine & Health
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Anaesthesia
- Anatomy
- Biomedical Science
- Dentistry
- Dermatology
- Medicine / Surgery
- Natural / Alternative Medicine
- Nursing
- Obstetrics / Gynaecology
- Optometry / Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pediatrics
- Pathology
- Podiatry
- Psychiatry
- Radiography
- Speech / Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy
- Other Medical & Health Studies
Engineering
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer and IT Engineering
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- General Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering
- Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
- Other Engineering Studies
Science & Technology
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Agriculture / Forestry / Botany
- Aquaculture / Marine Science
- Architecture
- Aviation
- Biology / Biochemistry / Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Computer / Information Technology
- Energy / Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Geology
- Mathematics / Statistics
- Multimedia
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacy / Pharmacology
- Physics
- Textiles and Fibre Science
- Zoology / Veterinary Science
- Other Science & Technology Studies
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
Courses and Programs
Click here to explore a list of Penn State University courses and programs or, if not available yet, search for them with our Search Engine powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.
You can also explore our new A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Programs, Courses and Degrees to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects, salary expectations of each course/program/degree.
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 Penn State University's Tuition Fees Range Matrix is divided into 2 types of students, local and international students, and 2 degree levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and aims to help students to have an approximate idea of the yearly tuition range they might expect to pay at Penn State University.
| 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
uniRank publishes below some basic Penn State University's admission information.
Gender Admission
Gender Admission This institution admits Men and Women (coed).
Admission Selection
Admission Selection Has Penn State University a selective admission policy? Yes, based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
Admission Rate
Admission Rate Penn State University's acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this institution an averagely selective higher education institution.
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 International Students Admission
International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.
201 Shields Building Admission Office
University Park 16802-1503
(814) 865 5471
International Students Admission 
Admission Office Tip: search for Penn State University's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine
Notice: admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student 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
uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for Penn State University.
Student Enrollment
Student Enrollment Penn State University has an enrollment range of over-50,000 students making it a very large-sized institution.
Academic Staff
Academic Staff This institution has a range of 4,000-4,499 academic employees (Faculty).
Control Type
Control Type Penn State University is a public higher education institution.
Entity Type
Entity Type Penn State University is a non-profit higher education institution.
Campus Setting
Campus Setting This institution's main campus is located in a Rural setting.
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar This institution adopts a Semesters type of academic calendar.
Land Grant
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.
Religious Affiliation
Penn State University does not have any religious affiliation.
Carnegie Classification
Introduction
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States... learn more
The classification was first created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970, and it has been updated periodically since then. The Carnegie Classification is based on a set of criteria, such as the level and types of degrees offered, research activity and enrollment size. Institutions are classified into one of several categories based on these criteria, ranging from "doctoral universities" with very high research activity to "special focus institutions" that primarily award degrees in a specific field, such as the arts or health professions. The classification allows for quick comparisons between institutions within and across categories.
Carnegie Classification
uniRank provides below the official Penn State University's Carnegie classification.
| Basic Classification | Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity |
|---|---|
| Size & Setting | Four-year, large, primarily residential institution |
| Enrollment Profile | High undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Profile | Four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in institution |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Instructional Program | Professions plus arts & sciences, high graduate coexistence |
| Graduate Instructional Program | Professions plus arts & sciences, no graduate coexistence |
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
uniRank provides below an overview of Penn State University's main facilities:
University Library
University Library This institution has a physical 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.
University Housing
University Housing This institution provides housing services such as on-campus residences or dormitories.
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.
Sport Facilities/Activities
Sport Facilities/Activities This institution features sporting facilities and organizes sports activities for its students.
Institutional Hospital
Institutional Hospital This institution has an institutional hospital that is owned and operated by the university. Institutional hospitals are typically affiliated with medical schools and provide a range of medical services to patients, while also serving as a teaching hospital for medical students and residents.
University Services
uniRank provides below an overview of Penn State University's main services:
Financial Aid
Financial Aid This institution offers one or more of the following financial aid for eligible students: scholarships, grants, loans, tuition waivers, emergency financial aid etc.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad This institution offers study abroad and exchange program opportunities for its students.
Distance Learning
Distance Learning This institution provides a distance learning mode for certain programs or courses.
Academic Counseling
Academic Counseling This institution offers students academic guidance and support to assist them in their academic pursuits.
Career Services
Career Services This institution offers career counseling, career assessments, job and internship postings, career events, alumni networking or other career-related services to assist students transition successfully from academic life to professional life.
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.
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/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 academic divisions and a simplified 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 of some Penn State University's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.
Facebook
Facebook Penn State University's Facebook page
X (Twitter)
X (Twitter) Penn State University's X (formerly Twitter) page
YouTube
YouTube Penn State University's YouTube channel
Instagram
Instagram Penn State University's Instagram page
LinkedIn
LinkedIn TikTok
TikTok n.a.
Free Online Courses
Open Education Global
Open Education GlobalThis higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country.
Wikipedia
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Feedback, Errors and Update
We appreciate your feedback and error reports. Penn State University's official representatives can claim this institution and request to update this entire university profile free of charge by clicking on UPDATE ALL
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Site last updated: Tuesday, 2 April 2024
Disclaimer: please visit Penn State University's official website to review that the information provided above is up-to-date. The uniRank World University Ranking™ is not an academic ranking and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a higher education organization where to apply for enrollment.
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