Pennsylvania State University

(Penn State)

University Park, PAPublic Research University NCAA D1 Admissions

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

Acceptance Rate

55%

SAT (Optional)

1160–1360

Avg GPA

3.67

Enrollment

42K

Setting

Small City

Founded

1855

Cost

Tuition (In-State)$19K

Tuition (Out-of-State)$39K

Room & Board$13K

Est. Annual Total (In-State)$32K

Est. Annual Total (Out-of-State)$52K

Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.

Top Programs & National Ranking

Engineering#29

Business Administration#29

Communications / Journalism#29

Kinesiology#29

Education#37

Criminal Justice#37

Biology#45

Computer Science#45

Psychology#45

Accounting#45

Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.

Highlights

✦Largest alumni network

✦Strong engineering and business

✦Smeal College of Business

Athletics

Division

NCAA Division 1

Conference

Big Ten Conference

View on NCAA.com

Safety

Campus SafetySafe

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.

Neighborhood SafetyVery Safe

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.