Quick Summary
Pennsylvania State University is a public, land-grant founded in 1855, located in University Park, United States. Ranked #89 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 88116 students including 10.5% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Mineral & Mining Engineering, Agriculture & Forestry, Earth & Marine Sciences, it maintains an acceptance rate of 55%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Combines high-ranking academic excellence with a massive, supportive alumni network and a vibrant college town culture.
Subject Strengths
Mineral & Mining EngineeringAgriculture & ForestryEarth & Marine SciencesSupply Chain ManagementMaterials Science
Founded1855
TypePublic, Land-grant
Total Students88116
Intl Students10.5%
Faculty Ratio14
CampusRural/College Town
Campus Size8,556 acres
Affiliated HospitalsPenn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#89
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#122
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Over 275 undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate programs across 13 academic colleges
Programs
Over 100 doctoral fields of study
PhD Programs
Penn State World Campus (175+ degrees and certificates)
Online Programs
Applied Research Laboratory, Institutes of Energy and the Environment, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate55%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.5
GREVaries by program (Optional for many)
GMATVaries by program (Optional for many)
SAT1280-1450 (Optional/Test-flexible)
ACT28-33 (Optional/Test-flexible)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5 (Early Action: November 1)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply by the Early Action deadline for the highest chance of admission to the University Park campus and specific competitive majors.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$39,626/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$15,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$41,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$65
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$55,126/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Over 275 undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate programs across 13 academic colleges programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Meteorology | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$68,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career services with one of the largest career fairs in the US.
Industry Connections
BoeingLockheed MartinPwCDeloitteGeneral MotorsAmazon
Notable Alumni
Guion Bluford (First African American in space), Mark Parker (Former CEO of Nike), Ty Burrell (Actor), Keegan-Michael Key (Actor)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Beaver Stadium, Bryce Jordan Center, Pegula Ice Arena
Student Clubs
1000
Library Resources
Penn State University Libraries (6+ million volumes across 36 locations)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available