Pennsylvania State University
(Penn State)
Pennsylvania State University is one of the nation's largest public research universities, anchored by its University Park campus in State College. Penn State boasts the largest active alumni network of any university and is recognized for strong engineering, business, and earth sciences programs.
Mascot: Nittany Lion
Notable Alumni
Keegan-Michael Key (comedian and actor)•Guion Bluford (first African American in space)•Ty Burrell (actor, Modern Family)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Penn State is perennially ranked among America's top party schools, and the reputation is earned — football tailgates in Happy Valley are legendary, the 'We Are' chant creates a cult-like communal identity, and State College's isolation concentrates all energy on campus. White Out games at Beaver Stadium are genuinely one of the great spectacles in American sports. Academics are manageable for most majors, which gives students the bandwidth to fully embrace the social side.
Old Main and the surrounding elm-lined mall are attractive, and the Nittany Lion shrine is iconic. The campus is well-kept and spacious but architecturally unremarkable beyond its historic core.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Penn State's University Park campus is patrolled 24/7 with a Community Oriented Policing program. Most incidents involve alcohol-related disciplinary actions rather than serious crime.
State College is an isolated college town in central Pennsylvania with a violent crime rate of just 0.88 per 1,000 residents. Exceptionally safe.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Regular weekday visits during the academic year
Duration: 90 minutes
Includes admissions information session with an admissions officer followed by a student-led walking tour. About 100 student tour guides lead tours at University Park. Private tours (60-90 min) available through the Lion Ambassadors with 2+ weeks advance request and can be tailored to your interests.
Book a TourVirtual tours available to explore campus landmarks and learn about admissions. Self-guided visit resources available through the visitor information page.
Tour ResourcesVisit a fall football Saturday (September-November) for the legendary White Out atmosphere at Beaver Stadium (107,000 fans, one of the world's largest). Late April through May is also great for academics and spring weather in Happy Valley. THON (dance marathon) weekend in February is amazing but campus is packed. Avoid December-January (cold and campus empties over break).
State College Regional Airport (SCE) is 5 miles from campus (~10 min drive), with limited commercial flights. Many visitors fly into Harrisburg (MDT, 90 miles) or Pittsburgh (PIT, 135 miles) and drive. Visitor parking at the Eisenhower Parking Deck (free, no permit needed) or Nittany Parking Deck ($1/hr, near the Nittany Lion Inn). Both are a 5-minute walk to campus.
Location
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