The Pennsylvania State University campus
The Pennsylvania State University logo

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 4 year Public
Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Small
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 20,547
Student to faculty ratio 15 to 1
Acceptance rate 92%
Students retention rate 87%
On-time graduation rate 72%

Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, PSU is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 92% indicates that PSU is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

PSU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 87% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 75% and 72%, respectively.


  • The institution has on-campus hospital
  • Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

92.3%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$18,898

Cost of attendance at The Pennsylvania State University in 2022 for students from Pennsylvania.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Pennsylvania's average $13,083
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$36,476

Cost of attendance at The Pennsylvania State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Pennsylvania's average $21,410
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 51 of freshman students at The Pennsylvania State University received on average $9,884 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$9,884
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 3,405 22% $4,923 $16,762,803
Other Federal Grant 4,581 30% $5,303 $24,291,828
State Grant/Scholarships 2,763 18% $3,641 $10,059,308
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 6,436 42% $6,517 $41,943,668
Total Grant & Scholarships 7,719 51% $9,884 $76,294,804

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of The Pennsylvania State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of The Pennsylvania State University students is 72.3%. Female students graduated at a rate of 75.5%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 69.6%.

72.3%

  • asian 70.8% 707 students
  • African American 53.7% 556 students
  • white 74.6% 7,765 students
  • unknown 75.2% 194 students
  • hawaiian 63.2% 12 students
  • hispanic 62.4% 722 students
  • International Students 79.6% 1,060 students
  • Mixed Race 67.1% 302 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Big Ten Conference
  • Baseball Big Ten Conference
  • Basketball Big Ten Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Big Ten Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NAIA
    National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
  • NSCAA
    National Small College Athletic Association (NSCAA)

Service Offerings

The Pennsylvania State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

The Pennsylvania State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Occupational

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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