Pennsylvania State University is a prestigious university that attracts thousands of applicants every year. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you might be interested in becoming a Penn State student, too. However, you might have questions like, Is Penn State a good school?, Why do so many students continue to apply?, and What is Penn State known for?
This article answers these and other questions through statistics and other data available from Penn State and other reliable resources, like the US Department of Education. We will also address important information such as Penn State ranking details and Penn State reviews. Keep reading to find out if Penn State is Ivy League and if the school is a good fit for you.
Penn State Profile
- Campus Location(s): University Park, Middletown, Center Valley, Carlisle, Reading, New Kensington, DuBois, McKeesport, Mont Alto, York, Sharon, Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $18,898 (in state); $36,476 (out of state)
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $23,189 (in state); $39,248 (out of state)
Established in 1863, Pennsylvania State University is a prestigious public research university with campuses located throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The school has a focus on higher education, research, and public service, offering degree programs in various fields across different educational levels, from associate to doctoral degrees.
Penn State has a student population of 88,914, and 73,476 of these students are undergraduates, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The student-to-faculty ratio is 15-to-one, meaning that students get maximum personalized attention in the classroom and assistance with their educational goals.
Where Is Penn State?
Penn State’s main campus is in University Park, Pennsylvania. The school has campuses across different parts of the state, including in Middletown, Center Valley, Carlisle, Reading, New Kensington, DuBois, McKeesport, Mont Alto, York, and Sharon. The university also has an online school, called Penn State World Campus.
What Is Penn State Known For?
Penn State is known for being a reputable research university. The school ranks number 63 in national universities, according to US News & World Report, making it one of the top schools in the country. Prospective students can expect a positive, fulfilling college experience, both academically and personally, at Penn State.
There are more than 1,000 student clubs and organizations available for networking and social opportunities. Penn State students can also cheer on the school’s various sports teams or engage in philanthropic activities.
Is Penn State Ivy League?
No, Penn State isn’t an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is a group of eight elite private research universities that are located in the Northeastern part of the United States. Schools in the Ivy League include Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Dartmouth University.
The Ivy League represents the most elite schools in the US, as they consistently produce high-achieving graduates who go on to have successful careers. However, these schools also have the most competitive admissions, often accepting less than 10 percent of applicants.
How Big Is Penn State?
Penn State is very big, with 88,914 students enrolled. The students are spread across 20 campuses in different parts of the state. Students are offered education and research opportunities in various fields at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Penn State World Campus offers affordable online programs to students around the world.
Is a Degree From Penn State Good?
Yes, a degree from Penn State is good. Penn State is an accredited institution of higher learning that supports the educational and professional goals and dreams of its students. Penn State is ranked among the top 100 schools in the country by US News. It is also ranked number 23 among all public universities in the country.
How Much Does Penn State Cost?
Penn State costs $18,898 for in-state undergraduate students, while out-of-state undergrad students will pay $36,476 per year. For graduate students, the in-state annual tuition cost is $23,189 and the out-of-state tuition is $39,248.
Penn State Financial Aid
Students at Penn State have access to different financial aid options, including student loans like the Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS, and Graduate PLUS loans. Students can also access grants and scholarships and enroll in work-study programs that can help them find part-time employment that accommodates their studies.
Penn State Scholarships
- Provost’s Award. This is a four-year award for first-year students at all Penn State campuses other than the World Campus. Recipients receive a total of $24,000 during the duration of the scholarship program. Undergraduate students do not have to apply for this award, as they are automatically considered when they apply to Penn State.
- Discover Penn State Award. New undergraduate first-year and transfer students residing in Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia are eligible for this award. Students receive between $3,000 and $3,500 per semester, depending on their degree program, and they don’t have to submit a separate application to be considered.
- The Bunton-Waller Scholarship. This scholarship is for full-time on-campus students with the highest financial need. Recipients receive an annual award of $3,200, which is renewable for up to four years if students maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Trustee Scholarship. This scholarship is open to full-time students who have the greatest financial need. A typical Trustee Scholarship award provides between $2,000 and $3,000 every year, as the amount may vary due to the availability of funds or the preferences of donors.
- Renaissance Scholarship. The Renaissance Scholarship awards $1,500 annually to students with an outstanding academic record. The award can be renewed for four years as long as students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Penn State Rankings
There are some widely recognized university rankings that help determine how reputable and credible a school is for pursuing a degree. Below is a quick review of the top Pennsylvania State University rankings across these different ranking bodies.
Penn State US News & World Report Ranking
Pennsylvania State University ranks number 80 in US News’ Global Universities category. Schools on this US News list are ranked by their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence, some of which include a school’s global research reputation, regional research reputation publications, books, normalized citizen impact, and conferences.
Penn State Times Higher Education Ranking
Times Higher Education ranks Pennsylvania State University as the 119th best school globally. Times Higher Education uses different performance indicators to arrive at a comprehensive ranking that is widely accepted and respected. These indicators include a school’s international outlook, citations, industry income, citations, and research.
Penn State Center for World University Rankings
Pennsylvania State University ranks number 53 in the world, according to the Center for World University Rankings. The Center for World University Rankings uses seven criteria to determine the schools that make its list. These include the school’s education, faculty, employability, research output, high-quality publications, citations, and influence.
Penn State QS World University Rankings
Quacquarelli Symonds puts Pennsylvania State University at number 93 on its World University Rankings list. Ranking among the top 100 universities across the globe is not an easy feat and reflects the high quality of education provided at Penn State.
Penn State Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Pennsylvania State University ranks between numbers 101 and 150 on ARWU’s world universities list. The Academic Ranking of World Universities has a good reputation for being a trustworthy ranking for universities globally. The ranking rates the top 1,000 schools around the world based on objective third-party data and a transparent methodology.
Top Programs at Penn State
There are diverse degree and certificate programs at Pennsylvania State University that suit a student body with a wide range of interests. Some of Penn State’s top bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs are outlined below.
Bachelor’s Degrees at Penn State
There are many bachelor’s degree programs that students can pursue at Penn State for a fulfilling career. Some of the popular bachelor’s degree programs are discussed below, in the majors of art history, biological engineering, and agribusiness management.
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Pennsylvania State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Art History program provides an opportunity for students to examine and explore art and its history. It helps students develop a deep understanding of how and why art can bring the world closer and is taught by a faculty that specializes in East Asian, medieval, ancient Egyptian, modern, and other popular areas of art.
Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering
This program teaches students how to apply engineering principles, designs, and analytics to address serious issues of sustainability. Areas where knowledge from this program can be applied to improve productivity include food production, biological processing, and natural resource protection.
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
This program focuses on the challenges of the food industry and agriculture. Graduates of this program can work for insurance companies, agricultural banks and businesses, and government agencies. Students can go on to pursue a higher degree in this field upon completion of the undergraduate program.
Master’s Degrees at Penn State
For students who want to further their education after getting a bachelor’s degree, Pennsylvania State University offers master’s degree programs across a wide range of fields. Some of these top master’s degree programs are featured below.
Master of Architecture in Architecture
This program explores the history of architecture and its principles, techniques, and working theories. The program will help students become pacesetters in the architecture industry. It is a two-year program that requires students to develop a thesis in their final year of study.
Master of Science in Food Science
Students in this program will gain deep knowledge in the food science field. They will learn how to make sound decisions and judgments as they gain the ability for independent learning. Students will also learn how to address a research problem by carrying out logical experiments to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
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Master of Science in Soil Science
This research-based program seeks to teach students advanced research skills and knowledge of scientific processes through soil science studies. Students will have the opportunity to work with their faculty advisor to design a relevant program of study and topic of research.
Other Top Programs at Penn State
Apart from bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, there are other programs that are popular with Penn State students. These include doctoral degrees, associate degrees, and undergraduate certificate and graduate certificate programs. These programs are available in different disciplines, with some of the most popular ones listed here.
PhD in Informatics
Students in this program will learn how to engage in important research that will develop their skills in computer and information science as well as social and behavioral science. Students will also learn how they can analyze qualitative and quantitative data and how to understand and carry out tests that can improve scientific knowledge in the field.
PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
The aim of this program is to prepare researchers of the highest quality who can serve as changemakers and leaders in the industry. Students will receive specialized education in their area of interest, as well as learn how to carry out independent research and get internship opportunities for clinical experience.
PhD in Human Development and Family Studies
This program provides students with the training that they need to contribute to the human development field in various ways. Students will engage in research work to study individuals and families across the human lifespan. Focus is placed on the application and development of new methodological approaches for these areas of study.
How to Apply to Penn State
- Complete the online application. The first step to getting admitted into Pennsylvania State University is to complete the online application form on the school’s website.
- Submit your high school transcript. You will be required to submit your official high school transcript to share information like the classes you took and the grades you received.
- Submit your standardized test scores. This step is not mandatory for prospective students, but your scores will be considered if submitted. The accepted standardized tests are the ACT and SAT.
- Complete the FAFSA. It is important for students to know the financial options that are available to them to help offset their tuition and other college costs. Completing the FAFSA form is necessary to determine your federal financial aid eligibility.
- Contact an advisor. Contact the admissions office if you have any questions during your application process. This will make the process easier for you and help you to avoid making any mistakes during the process.
How Much Do Penn State Graduates Earn?
Pennsylvania State University graduates earn an average salary of $77,000, according to PayScale. It is worthwhile to note that this salary is the average across different educational levels and different majors for the entire school. The salary of each individual student will be heavily influenced by their degree program, their employer, and their location of employment.
Is Penn State a Good College?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University is a good college because it offers in-demand programs of study and high-quality education. This is evident in the fact that the school consistently receives high rankings from the top university ranking bodies. Penn State also offers flexible online programs, an option that is gaining popularity with students worldwide.
Is Penn State a Good School? FAQ
Yes, Pennsylvania State University is a prestigious college. Penn State is ranked among the top universities in the US and the world. It even ranks among the best 25 public colleges in the country. The school offers personalized attention with a 15-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and boasts the highest classification of research activity from the Carnegie Foundation, according to NCES.
One thing that makes Pennsylvania State University a special school is the fact that students have access to the largest alumni association in the world. This incredible feat can affect graduates in a positive manner in the long run. If you graduate from Penn State, you will be entering a club that has an influence in every part of the globe.
No, Pennsylvania State University is not hard to get into. Data from NCES shows that 92 percent of applicants were admitted into the school in the fall of 2021. Your application strength can help to boost your chances of gaining admission to Penn State.
No, Pennsylvania State University is not considered a party school. Penn State was a top party school in the US for over a decade, according to The Princeton Review. It was even the number-one party school in 2009. The school has, however, been missing on lists of top party schools more recently.
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