Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Video Play Icon5 Videos,
15 Photos
Pennsylvania State University-University Park Logo

Pennsylvania State University, University Park: Rankings, Cost, Programs

Shiksha popularity ranking
Info Icon

#26 in USA

#23 in MS in USA

  • Institute Icon7343 acre campus
  • Estd. 1855
Talk to Expert IconTalk to Expert
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 7 Apr '25

Penn State
What’s new?

  • The last date to accept the admission offer for Penn State University UG courses is May 1, 2025
  • Penn State University MBAN Round 4 admission decision will be announced by Jun 1, 2025. 
Penn State Overview
Table of content
Accordion Icon V3
  • About Penn State University
  • Penn State University Courses
  • Penn State University Scholarships
  • Penn State University Admissions 2025
  • Penn State University Fees
  • + 8 more items

About Penn State University

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1855
University website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Student website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Total foreign students
7271
Campus size
7343 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 1 billion
Scholarships granted
22591
Scholarship amount granted
USD 261 million
Application fees
USD 75
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
5281
Faculty/Student ratio
15
Male/Female ratio
0.87
Total criminal offences
1529
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How difficult is it to get into Penn State at University Park?

A: 

According to unofficial sources, Penn State University acceptance rate is around 54%. After considering the acceptance rate, it can be said that the university is moderately selective at the time of admissions. Hence, to get into Penn State, the applicants are required to have a good academic record. The general admissions requirements at Penn State are having the secondary school qualification. On the other hand, for admissions to graduate courses, Indian students must have a bachelor’s degree.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is Penn State good for international students?

A: 

Penn State University is located around 24 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The main campus of the university is located in State College centrally located in the middle of the state. The university is top ranked as a top world university as per the Center for World University Rankings and in the Top 15 institutions hosting international students. Also, as per the facts of 2023, Penn State welcomed more than 1,800 Indian students.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Does Penn State require IELTS?

A: 

International students seeking admission to Pennsylvania State University, University Park need to have English language proficiency. For the same purpose, the university accepts the ELP test scores of IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (as applicable). The scores required in the ELP tests are given below:

Tests

UG ELP Scores

PG ELP Scores

Duolingo

120

-

TOEFL

80 on iBT

80 with 19 on the Speaking section

IELTS

6.5

6.5

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How much scholarship does Penn State give to international students?

A: 

Penn State University has authorized two scholarship funds which provide tuition grants to international students; Special International Grant-in-Aid (SIGIA) and the Penn State Tuition Assistance Grant (PSTAG). Note that these funds are administered through the Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA) for global programs. Generally, these grants range from USD 100 – USD 2,000.

  • The application form for these grants can be obtained from iStart
  • SIGIA is available for both international undergraduate and graduate students but PSTAG is only available to international undergraduates
  • Grants are awarded on the basis of quality of academic work, severity of financial need, and the academic advisor’s endorsement. Students in their first year at Pennsylvania State University or those who are below standard GPA (minimum of 3.0 GPA for graduate students and 2.0 for undergraduate students) shall not be considered

Also Check: Scholarships to Study in USA

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How much does Penn State cost for international students?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (53 courses)

INR 20 L - 38 L

MBA/PGDM (1 course)

INR 40 L

BE / BTech (27 courses)

INR 29 L - 33 L

BSc (32 courses)

INR 32 L

BA (40 courses)

INR 32 L

MIM (16 courses)

INR 33 L - 37 L

BBA (17 courses)

INR 32 L

MA (23 courses)

INR 26 L - 34 L

BBA7 (7 courses)

INR 33 L - 34 L

Others PG (13 courses)

INR 33 L - 34 L

M.Agri. (6 courses)

INR 33 L

BJMC (6 courses)

INR 32 L

Cost of Living: Given below is estimated 2023-24 Penn State cost of attendance for an academic year for undergraduate students:

  • Room and meals for UG students: USD 12,984

Graduate Students Living Expenses for 12 months

  • Living Expenses: USD 23,300 (Includes around USD 1,800 for books and supplies)
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: USD 3,700

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State
Penn State University Scholarships

Penn State University Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :USD 65 - 85
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
Lock Icon
Sign-up to view details
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   When should I expect to hear back from Penn State?

A: 

For Early Action applicants, Penn State University – University Park releases admission decisions by End of December 2024. For Priority admission, the admission decision will be made by Apr 1, 2025. Offers of admission to this university can be accepted through the accepted students’ MyPennState portal. International students admitted to the university must take additional steps to enroll to the university such as having resources for carrying out the expenses. Then, apply for the student visa. 

Once students have received an offer of admission from Penn State University and paid the acceptance fees, the International Students and Scholar Advising (ISSA) will start a file for the issuing the visa eligibility document. Then, further steps for admission are informed. 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Does Penn State MBA require GMAT?

A: 

For one year Penn State MBA, GMAT score is not required. This is a STEM-designated program. Other The Pennsylvania State University – University Park admission requirements for MBA course are given below:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • TOEFL score of 80 / IELTS with a score of 7.0
  • Academic transcripts

Also Read: A Complete Guide on MBA in USA for International Student

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the eligibility for Penn State?

A: 

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park general admission requirements are given below:

  • Undergraduate: Secondary school academic records or post-secondary record (if any)
  • Graduate: All degree certificates

Also, besides the academic records, the applicants are required to submit the English language proficiency score.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the deadline to apply to Penn State?

A: 

General Pennsylvania State University application deadlines for UG applicants are given below:

Term

Early Action Deadline

Priority Filing

Fall

Nov 1, 2024

Feb 1, 2025

Summer

Nov 1, 2024

Feb 1, 2025

Note that the Graduate School of Penn State University does not have a deadline for processing applicants. However, international applicants must submit materials at least 4 months before beginning the semester to which they are applying

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How to apply to Pennsylvania State University, University Park?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park applicants seeking admission to UG courses can apply through either the University Portal or Common App. Whereas, the graduate applicants can apply through the university portal. Given below are the steps to apply to Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

Application Steps for UG Courses

  • First of all, choose the application method
  • Then, access the application and review the important application dates
  • Start Penn State application and enter the required details
  • Next, submit the application by paying USD 75 application fee
  • Then, submit all the required materials such as academic records, official test scores (as applicable), English language proficiency score, etc.
  • Next, check the application status
  • Lastly, receive the admission decision

Also Read: College / University Application Process for USA

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State University Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(69 courses)
INR 21 L - 40 LGet Fee Details
Duration12 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 100, GRE
MBA/PGDM(17 courses)
INR 33 L - 44 LGet Fee Details
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
B.E. / B.Tech(27 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above
M.A.(23 courses)
INR 26 L - 40 LGet Fee Details
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
B.Sc.(32 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.A.(40 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
BBA(17 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
MEng(7 courses)
INR 33 L - 40 LGet Fee Details
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
M.Agri.(6 courses)
INR 33 L - 40 LGet Fee Details
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
Others PG(13 courses)
INR 33 L - 35 LGet Fee Details
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Is Penn State University expensive for Indian students?

A: 

Penn State University fees for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MS (69 courses)
INR 20 L - 39 L
MBA/PGDM (17 courses)
INR 33 L - 43 L
BE / BTech (27 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BSc (32 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BA (40 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BBA (17 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
MA (23 courses)
INR 26 L - 39 L
Others PG (13 courses)
INR 33 L - 34 L
MEng (7 courses)
INR 33 L - 39 L
M.Arch (7 courses)
INR 33 L - 39 L

Cost of Living: The estimated cost of living Penn State UG international students for 2024-25 is USD 14,474 (Around INR 12.4 lakh). 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How much does it cost to go to Penn State University for 4 years?

A: 

For the 2024-25 academic year at Penn State University, University Park an estimate is given below for international undergraduate students. Students can expect their fees to be around the amount given below for the rest of the 3 years:

Particulars

Expenses

Tuition and fees

USD 43,290 (Around INR 37.2 L)

Room and meals

USD 14,474 (Around INR 12,4 L)

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the fee for an MBA at Pennsylvania State University?

A: 

For the out-of-state residents, Pennsylvania State University one-year MBA tuition fee is $51,596 (Around INR 43 L) for the academic year 2024-25. Other fees that have to be paid by the students are:

  • Fees: $530 (Around INR 45k)
  • Pre-Term and Orientation Fee: $500 (Around INR 43k)
  • Global Immersion Estimated costs: $2,350 (Around INR 2L)

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What are the entry requirements for Penn State University MSc in Human Resources and Employment Relations?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University MSc in Human Resources and Employment Relations admission requirements are given below:

  • GRE / GMAT scores
  • 2-3 page essay showing career and educational goals
  • Writing sample
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Applicants with 3.0 GPA will be considered for admission
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   How much is the Penn State application fee for international students?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park application fee for undergraduate students is USD 75 for international students. For graduate students, the following is the application fee:

  • For degree programs and post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificate programs (For Spring, Summer, or Fall 2024 admission): USD 65
  • For degree programs and post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificate programs (For Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025 admissions or later): USD 85
  • Non-degree admission: USD 30

Along with the application fee, the documents that have to be submitted along with Pennsylvania State University, University Park application are:

  • Official mark sheets
  • Transcripts and degree certificates with date awarded
  • English language proficiency score
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State University Job Outcomes

Top Recruiters

Google
Osmosys
Apple
IBM
Microsoft
Pepsi
Yahoo
Barclays Bank
Johnson Johnson
Target
Colgate Palmolive
Visit official career services website External Link Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   Is Penn State good for job opportunities?

A: 

According to a new report published by Penn State University, the university is ranked at No. 21 among all large US employers – for new college graduates entering the workforce according to Forbes magazine’s recently released 2023 America’s Best Employers for New Grads Survey. Furthermore, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Penn State is the ninth the largest employer in the state.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the job placement rate for PSU students?

A: 

Penn State University placement rate is 95% as of 3 months after graduation. 92% of students accepted a position as of 3 months after graduation. The median base salary is USD 120,500 and the median signing bonus is USD 23,500. A few of the industries where MBA graduates work are Technology, Consulting, Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, etc.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What are the career paths after pursuing Penn State BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology course?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology course can get the opportunities in the research positions in Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical firms, Government or International Health and Environmental Agencies, and Academic Research Laboratories. Also, career possibilities can be found in the below-given industries:

  • Biomedical Industry
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Government Laboratories
  • Private Research Organizations
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Can you work part-time as a Penn State student?

A: 

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying at Penn State University. They can work on-campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the semester. Students may work on-campus full (more than 20 hours per week) during summer if they were registered for Spring or plan to be registered in Fall. Note that students can work full-time during the winter break only if they are enrolled for the Fall and will be enrolled for the upcoming Spring semester.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon







Pennsylvania State University-University Park Ranking 2025

#26

University level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   What is Penn State University ranked in the world?

A: 

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park ranks at #89 position in 2025 as per world-ranking publisher. The university’s position has significantly improved in the QS rankings if compared with the previous years. In 2024, it ranked at #83. According to another-ranking publisher, Penn State University ranks at #100 position in 2025. Again, in THE rankings too, the university position has improved from 2024, where it was then placed at #122 position.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Pennsylvania State University Vs UPenn

Accordion Icon V3

Compare Penn State with other similar colleges

MS
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
M.A.
B.Sc.
B.A.
BBA
MEng
M.Agri.
Others PG
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking
INR 20.7 L - 39.91 LA+#19 QS, 2025
INR 22.23 L - 43.03 LA#73 US News, 2025
INR 16.63 L - 63.2 LA+#28 QS, 2025
INR 24.16 L - 56.92 LA#24 US News, 2025
INR 25.84 L - 63.09 LA#63 US News, 2025
INR 9.13 L - 55.65 LA+#54 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons

Q:   Which is more prestigious, Penn State or University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

UPenn is quite competitive as its acceptance rate is around 7%, whereas, Penn State University acceptance rate is around 55%. The final decision to take admission to a certain university depends on various parameters such as course availability, location, tuition fee, etc. The highlights of both these universities are given below: 

ParametersPenn State UniversityUPenn
Ranking#89 (QS World University Ranking 2025)#11 (QS World University Ranking 2025)
No. of UG programs275+90
Most popular majorsEngineering; Psychology; Social SciencesSocial Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

80%

Hispanic

8%

Asian

7%

Black

4%

UG Student residence

In state

50%

Out of state

39%

Foreign

9%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

98%

25 and over

1%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

85784
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.83
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

41743
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

8283

Penn State
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
April
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston514
New York717
Chicago613
Los Angeles1323
Explore popular study abroad destinations

Penn State University Notable Alumni

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Which famous alumni are from Penn State?

A: 

Some of the famous personalities names who have studied at Penn State University are listed below:

  • Ty Burrell: Actor, Popularly known for his role of Phil Dunphy in Sitcome Modern Family
  • Mark Parker: Businessman
  • Adam McKay: Filmmaker
  • John Aniston: Actor
  • Keegan-Michael Key: Actor
  • Jonathan Frakes: Actor and Director
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State University Campus Life

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 2

Q:   How many student organizations does Pennsylvania State University have?

A: 

There are over 1,000 student organizations at Penn State University. The categories of the student organizations are:

  • Business & Management
  • Agriculture & Environment
  • Content Creation & Media
  • Culture & Community
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Healthcare Professions
  • Humanities
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Where is Penn State located?

A: 

Penn State University is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania. There are 24 campuses of this university. The University Park campus is considered to be the largest and main campus of this university. It offers academics, activities, and recreation in the Classic college town of State College. There are 1000+ student organizations at the university. Furthermore, students can engage in club teams, intramural sports, or fitness facilities, etc. while studying here.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Penn State University FAQs

Q:   What are the entry requirements for Penn State Master's in Business Analytics course?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University Master’s in Business Analytics course entry requirements are given below:

  • Resume
  • Academic transcripts (a bachelor’s degree / master’s degree)
  • Reference contacts: LOR for this course is not required
  • Application fee
  • English language proficiency score
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Which city is Penn State in?

A: 

Penn State University Park is situated in the small city of State College, a quintessential town that has small eateries and quirky shops that line the street marking the border between Downtown and campus. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 7,000 international undergraduate students call Penn State University their home. Each year, the university sees an increase in the number of applications from international applicants. The university enrolls thousands of international students from over 130 different countries.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is Pennsylvania State University a top tier university?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University rose to 20th among US public universities and placed #42 in the national overall in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. The university is placed in the Top 6% globally in a top-ranking publisher’s rankings. Furthermore, the university has one of the nation’s most comprehensive and successful athletic programs, featuring 29 programs and participates in the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I level for most sports. Also, the university ranks in the Top 10% worldwide in employer reputation and employment outcomes in 2024 as per a top-ranking publisher.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon
qna

Penn State

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 weeks ago

Here are the job opportunities after doing MBA from Pennsylvania State University:

You can make your career in consulting, finance, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. There are various Big MNCs who visits the university for direct campus recruitment like Amazon, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, P

...Read more

B

Bhanupratap singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Studying at Penn State University can cost anywhere from INR 34 to INR 45 Lakhs per year, depending on the programme and whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. 

p

paramveer singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Deciding between an MBA at Penn State and IIM Nagpur depends on your priorities. Penn State offers a US-based MBA with a global focus and potentially higher career opportunities in the US, while IIM Nagpur provides a strong business education within India with a focus on the Indian market

p

paramveer singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

For Indian students applying for an F-1 visa to study at Penn State University, you'll need a valid passport, a completed DS-160 visa application, proof of SEVIS fee payment, your I-20 form, official transcripts, and proof of financial support

p

paramveer singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

For Indian students applying for an F-1 visa to study at Penn State University, you'll need a valid passport, a completed DS-160 visa application, proof of SEVIS fee payment, your I-20 form, official transcripts, and proof of financial support.

p

paramveer singh

Contributor-Level 6

About the author

author image
Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio
Penn State Others(1)Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Penn State Others(2)Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State Others(3)HUB-Robeson Center
Penn State Others(1)
Penn State Others(2)

Penn State
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityState College, Pennsylvania, USA

Penn State
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
University Park CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Visit official site External Link Icon

Penn State
Contact Information

Address

University Park, State College, PA 16801, United States

State College ( Pennsylvania)

Go to College Website ->