Overview
Founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, Penn State evolved into the Commonwealth's land-grant institution and a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. It has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive research universities in the country, with a flagship campus at University Park and over twenty additional campuses across Pennsylvania. Penn State is particularly recognized for its engineering, business, meteorology, and agricultural sciences programs, as well as its status as a major hub for federally funded research.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Total students | 88,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 55% |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $19,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,900 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $14,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1160-1370 |
| ACT range | 25-31 |
| Average GPA | 3.60 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Engineering
- Business (Smeal)
- Meteorology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Communications
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.