Overview
Founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, Penn State evolved into the Commonwealth's land-grant institution and one of the largest and most comprehensive research universities in the United States. Headquartered at its flagship University Park campus, Penn State is a member of the Association of American Universities and is recognized globally for strengths in engineering, meteorology, business, communications, and agricultural sciences. The university operates one of the largest alumni networks in the world, contributing to its reputation for career placement and lifelong institutional loyalty.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Total students | 88,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 55% |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $19,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $39,300 |
| Room & board | $13,000 |
| Average financial aid | $14,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1170-1390 |
| ACT range | 25-31 |
| Average GPA | 3.60 |
| Regular deadline | January 5 |
Top Programs
- Engineering
- Meteorology
- Business (Smeal)
- Communications
- Agricultural Sciences
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.