Skip to main content
Last updated: May 31, 2026

Pennsylvania State University

United States · Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State University

United States
Country
Pennsylvania
City
88000
Total Students
Status
About the University

Pennsylvania State University overview

The university was known as the 'Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania' from 1855 to 1862. It then became the 'Agricultural College of Pennsylvania' from 1862 to 1874, and 'The Pennsylvania State College' from 1874 to 1953. Pennsylvania State University reached university status in 1955 — exactly 167 years ago. It is a research-focused public university in the state of Pennsylvania, in the United States.

The university belongs to prestigious institutions, organizations, and initiatives such as the 'Association of American Universities,' the 'CDIO Initiative,' and the 'Center for Research Libraries.' It is also a member of 'Oak Ridge Associated Universities,' the 'University Corporation for Atmospheric Research,' and the 'Universities Research Association.' Pennsylvania State University provides higher education opportunities to approximately 90,000 students through 25 campuses and a workforce of more than 30,000 university employees. It offers more than 160 bachelor's degree programs, more than 90 associate degree programs, and more than 190 graduate degree programs.

About the University

About Pennsylvania State University

The university was known as the 'Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania' from 1855 to 1862. It then became the 'Agricultural College of Pennsylvania' from 1862 to 1874, and 'The Pennsylvania State College' from 1874 to 1953. Pennsylvania State University reached university status in 1955 — exactly 167 years ago. It is a research-focused public university in the state of Pennsylvania, in the United States.

The university belongs to prestigious institutions, organizations, and initiatives such as the 'Association of American Universities,' the 'CDIO Initiative,' and the 'Center for Research Libraries.' It is also a member of 'Oak Ridge Associated Universities,' the 'University Corporation for Atmospheric Research,' and the 'Universities Research Association.' Pennsylvania State University provides higher education opportunities to approximately 90,000 students through 25 campuses and a workforce of more than 30,000 university employees. It offers more than 160 bachelor's degree programs, more than 90 associate degree programs, and more than 190 graduate degree programs.

City
Pennsylvania
Country
United States
Number of Students
88000
#108
Times Universities
#82
QS World
#59
National Ranking
69
Quality Score
#101
Shanghai List
Faculties & Programs

Pennsylvania State University faculties and programs

196 results listed

Business Analytics and Information Systems

Undergraduate4 Years#92 Ranking
$52,656per year

Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications

Undergraduate4 Years#201 Ranking
$49,616per year

Media and Communication

Undergraduate4 Years#4 Ranking
$46,812per year

Neurobiology

Undergraduate4 Years#125 Ranking
$49,616per year

Secondary Education

Undergraduate4 Years#31 Ranking
$46,812per year

Security And Risk Analysis

Undergraduate4 Years#125 Ranking
$49,616per year

Systems Neuroscience

Undergraduate4 Years#209 Ranking
$49,616per year

Corporate Communication

Undergraduate4 Years#4 Ranking
$46,812per year

Labor and Human Resources

Undergraduate4 Years#92 Ranking
$46,812per year

Accounting

Undergraduate4 Years#21 Ranking
$52,656per year
Scholarship Opportunities

Pennsylvania State University scholarships and financial aid

Penn State University offers scholarship opportunities to international students. Keep in mind, however, that scholarship programs have limited funding and quotas. Scholarships are awarded on financial need and academic merit, and admission standards are highly competitive. If you want to apply to Penn State University's scholarship programs, you can reach them through the link below.

Pennsylvania State University Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

Application Process

How to get into Pennsylvania State University

If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at Penn State University, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.

  • Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
  • 4-Year High School Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts listing the courses you took and the grades you earned in 11th and 12th grade
  • SAT or ACT Exam Score
  • English Proficiency Certificate
    • An English proficiency certificate from a recognized exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
  • Personal Statement & Essay

Academic qualifications from programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement are not enough for direct admission on their own. If you study in one of these programs, you may request course credit for the coursework you have completed.

If you are applying to a graduate program at Penn State University, you must meet the admission requirements listed below.

  • 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts listing the courses you took and the grades you earned throughout your undergraduate education
  • Relevant Work Experience
  • English Proficiency Certificate
    • An English proficiency certificate from a recognized exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
  • GRE/GMAT exam scores may be required, in line with the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.
Campus

Take a closer look at Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University has:

  • The Abington campus, in the suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city,
  • The Altoona Campus, near the University Park campus in central Pennsylvania,
  • The Beaver Campus near Pittsburgh, set on 40 acres,
  • The Behrend Campus in northwestern Pennsylvania, and the Berks Campus on the suburban side of Berks County,
  • The Brandywine Campus near Delaware County,
  • The Carlisle Campus, home to the Dickinson School of Law,
  • The DuBois Campus in north-central Pennsylvania,
  • The Fayette, The Eberly Campus, set on 40 acres,
  • The Great Valley Campus, home to the renowned Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies,
  • The Greater Allegheny Campus near Pittsburgh, which offers student housing,
  • The Harrisburg Campus, where on-campus accommodation is available,
  • The Hazleton Campus in northeastern Pennsylvania, set on 42 acres,
  • The Hershey Campus, home to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, and Penn State Health Children's Hospital,
  • The Lehigh Valley Campus in Center Valley,
  • The Mont Alto Campus, in a heavily wooded part of Franklin County,
  • The New Kensington Campus, just twenty-seven kilometers from Pittsburgh,
  • The Schuylkill Campus in east-central Pennsylvania,
  • The Scranton Campus, set on 18 acres,
  • The Shenango Campus, set on 6 acres in downtown Sharon,
  • The University Park Campus, Pennsylvania State University's largest campus,
  • The Wilkes-Barre Campus near Wilkes-Barre,
  • The Williamsport Campus, home to Pennsylvania College of Technology,
  • The online World Campus, which offers more than 175 career-focused programs, and
  • The York Campus in south-central Pennsylvania

    — for a total of 25 separate campuses.
Campus Life

Pennsylvania State University has 25 campuses across the state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. Nearly every campus offers student housing for residents.

If you begin your first year at the University Park Campus as an undergraduate, the university requires you to live on campus that year.

The University Park Campus, in State College, is the university's main campus. You can reach it by air through Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Dulles International Airport in Washington, and Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia. Buses also run from New York, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.

Within State College, a wide variety of shops, stores, and restaurants sit 10 to 20 minutes away by bus, taxi, or bicycle.

As a Penn State student, you can ride the Blue LOOP and White LOOP buses free of charge.

Students at all 25 campuses can attend festivals and events held regularly. These include Arts Fest, People's Choice Festival, WingFest, Summer's Best Music Fest, Movin' On, and THON. You can also get involved in more than 1,000 student organizations at Penn State. Athletic facilities include Blue and White Courses, the Louis and Mildred Lasch Football Building, and McCoy Natatorium. You can also use the Multi-Sport Facility & Horace Ashenfelter III Indoor Track, Sarni Tennis Center, and the White Building.

Student Profile

Penn State University boasts a large alumni network with many distinguished graduates who have excelled in various fields. Notable alumni include:

  • Mark Parker
  • Lara Spencer
  • Paul Berg
  • Betty James
  • Carmen Finestra
  • Ty Burell
  • Jef Raskin
  • Guion Bluford
  • John Aniston
  • Steve McCurry
  • Herman Fisher
  • Steven E. de Souza
  • Patricia Woertz
  • Keegan Michael Key

Achievements

Pennsylvania State University awards and achievements

  • 1 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners among alumni and faculty
  • 7 Pulitzer Prize winners among alumni and faculty
  • 1 Tony Prize winners among alumni and faculty
  • 1 Emmy Prize winners among alumni and faculty
  • 2 Grammy Prize winners among alumni and faculty
  • 1 Alumni Fellow Prize winners among alumni and faculty
  • 5 astronaut among alumni and faculty

Pennsylvania State University Frequently Asked Questions

Pennsylvania State University Location

Pennsylvania, United States

Pennsylvania State University Contact

Email
admissions@psu.edu
Phone
+1 814-865-4700
Website
https://www.psu.edu/
Address
201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States of America

Pennsylvania State University Social Media

Follow the university on its official social media channels:

Pennsylvania State University

Take a Closer Look
Pennsylvania State University view 1

How to Get Into Pennsylvania State University

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why Pennsylvania State University?

Located in Pennsylvania, United States, Pennsylvania State University is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

Other Universities in United States

The Ohio State University
Popular Scholarship

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 40022
Times Higher Ed.#108
61/ 100Learn More
University of Maryland, College Park
Popular Scholarship

University of Maryland, College Park

College Park, Maryland, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 41186
Times Higher Ed.#116
60/ 100Learn More
University of Rochester
Popular Scholarship

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 67080
Times Higher Ed.#127
64/ 100Learn More
University of Florida
Popular Scholarship

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 28659
Times Higher Ed.#134
59/ 100Learn More
Georgetown University
Scholarship

Georgetown University

Washington, D.C., United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 66500
Times Higher Ed.#136
University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst, UMass)
Popular
Annual Fee$ 40449
Times Higher Ed.#141
University of Pittsburgh
Scholarship

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 41430
Times Higher Ed.#141
62/ 100Learn More
Case Western Reserve University
Popular Scholarship

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 66608
Times Higher Ed.#145
54/ 100Learn More
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)
Scholarship

University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)

Boulder, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 44918
Times Higher Ed.#148
Texas A&M University
Popular Scholarship

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 39496
Times Higher Ed.#151
62/ 100Learn More
Tufts University
Popular Scholarship

Tufts University

Medford & Somerville, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 69000
Times Higher Ed.#151
University of Virginia (UVA)

University of Virginia (UVA)

Charlottesville, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 59512
Times Higher Ed.#156
Contact

Get in touch with us

Fill out the form and a Dream Uni advisor will reach out to schedule your consultation.

Expert assessment tailored to your profile
Guaranteed response within 24 hours
Online or in-person meeting options
+1

I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

I would like to receive updates, tips, and news from Dream Uni.

Chat with an Advisor on WhatsApp