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

The Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Shiksha popularity ranking
Info Icon

#115 in World

#35 in USA

  • Institute Icon7343 acre campus
  • Estd. 1855
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 7 Aug '25

Penn State University
What's new?

Accordion Icon V3

Penn State University application deadline is Nov 1, 2025, for UG students. 

About Penn State University

Accordion Icon V3
All
Things to Know
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.

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 

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

Pennsylvania State University-University Park Ranking 2025

#115

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
Info Icon

#35

Country 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.

Q:   Is Penn State a top 100 university?
A: 

Penn State University ranking in QS ranking is #89 in 2025. Whereas, in Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, this university ranks at #100 position in 2025. This shows that in the world rankings, this university ranks among the Top 100 Universities globally. Additionally, in the National Universities ranking, this university ranks at #63 in 2025 as per a top-ranking publisher.

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
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   When should I expect to hear back from Penn State?
A: 

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. 

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

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.

Penn State University
Penn State University Scholarships

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
Q:   Are there any assistantships available to Penn State University graduate students?
A: 

Yes, international students at Penn State University are eligible for a number of assistantships, fellowships, and grants. The most common of these are Graduate assistantships, which provide full tuition, 80% of health insurance premiums and living stipend in return for service. To get these assistantships, graduate applicants should indicate the same at the time of completion of the admission application.

Q:   Does Penn State University give full scholarships to international students?
A: 

Penn State University offers a few tuition grants to undergraduate and graduate international students. The range of these grants ranges from USD 100 – USD 2,000. The grants that are offered are The Special International Grant-In-Aid (SIGIA) and the Penn State Tuition Assistance Grant (PSTAG). SIGIA is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. PSTAG, on the other hand, is available to undergraduates.

Penn State University Popular Courses

MS
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
B.Sc.
More

₹38.87 LGet Fee Details

₹41.52 LGet Fee Details

₹41.52 LGet Fee Details

₹41.52 LGet Fee Details

₹41.52 LGet Fee Details

View AllMS Courses
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Science in Finance - Batch of 2028
5
The faculty is knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive.
Tips: Before joining college, students should know how to manage time, be independent, and stay organised. It’s important to stay open to new experiences, build good study habits, and seek help when needed. Embrace learning and personal growth. And they should inquire about food and academic standards. We can participate in various events, which help us in our growth. Student life is vibrant and engaging, filled with diverse activities, clubs, and events. It offers a perfect balance of academics and fun, fostering friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable memories throughout the college journey.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): The faculty is knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive. They create a positive learning environment, encourage student participation, and are always ready to help with doubts. Their dedication greatly enhances the educational experience. I can also add that the faculty was able to clearly teach the topic, and they were good, so I was able to understand it very quickly, and they were also very friendly.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1025
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025Read more
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
View 1 ReviewRight Arrow 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.

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.

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.

Penn State University Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(69 courses)
INR 22 L - 42 LGet Fee Details
Duration12 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedDuolingo, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 100, GRE, GMAT
MBA/PGDM(17 courses)
INR 35 L - 46 LGet Fee Details
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, Duolingo, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE, GMAT
B.E. / B.Tech(27 courses)
INR 36 L - 37 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above
B.Sc.(32 courses)
INR 36 L - 37 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo
M.A.(23 courses)
INR 27 L - 42 LGet Fee Details
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, Duolingo, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
BBA(17 courses)
INR 36 L - 37 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo
MEM(1 course)
Duration12-18 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo
B.A.(40 courses)
INR 36 L - 37 LGet Fee Details
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo
M.Arch(7 courses)
INR 35 L - 42 LGet Fee Details
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, Duolingo
Others PG(13 courses)
INR 35 L - 36 LGet Fee Details
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, Duolingo
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). 

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)

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)

 







Penn State University
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

83
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

41743
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

8283

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

Pennsylvania State University Vs UPenn Vs University of Virginia

Accordion Icon V3

Compare Penn State University with other similar colleges

MS
MBA/PGDM
B.E. / B.Tech
B.Sc.
M.A.
BBA
MEM
B.A.
M.Arch
Others PG
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 21.54 L - 41.52 L#59 US News, 2026
INR 17.3 L - 65.76 L#64 US News, 2026
INR 25.14 L - 49.28 L#26 US News, 2026
INR 17.27 L - 58.44 L#41 US News, 2026
INR 23.55 L - 66.35 L#293 QS, 2026
INR 23.78 L - 57.45 L#114 QS, 2026
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

Penn State University
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
347.28M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
October
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston817
New York1018
Chicago1017
Los Angeles1626
Explore popular study abroad destinations

Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 1
Q:   How many international students are enrolled at Penn State?
A: 

According to the facts stated over the official website of Pennsylvania State University, there are nearly 88,000 students. At the university, students from 50 states and 150+ countries are studying at this university. There are 9,000+ international students at the university. The Open Doors 2024 Annual Report reveals that there is a notable rise in international student enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities.

Penn State University Campus

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
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.

Q:   How big is the Penn State University Park?
A: 

Penn State University-University Park is the largest campus of the Penn State University system. The campus size of the University Park is around 7,958 acres. 275 courses are offered at this campus and there are 1000+ student groups. Also, there are 29 NCAA Division I teams of the university in the Big Ten Conference. There are more than 42,000+ UG students at University Park campus.

Penn State University Research

Accordion Icon V3
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details
Q:   Is Penn State an R1 university?
A: 

Yes, Penn State is a R1 university – Doctoral universities with very high-research activity. It is one of the top research institutions in the country, with USD 1.337 billion in research expenditures in 2023-24. It is ranked among the 30 research institutions nationally and employs some of the world leading researchers. In the year 2024, it was an year of Penn State Research with high impact.

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
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.

Q:   Is Pennsylvania State University a top tier university?
A: 

Pennsylvania State University rose to 17 position among US public universities and placed #32 in the national overall in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. 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.

Q:   How can I get admission to Penn State University MSc in Computer Science and Engineering course?
A: 

To get admission to the MSc in Computer Science and Engineering course of Penn State University, the applicants are required to submit the following application materials:

  • One page statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE test score
  • An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0
  • Resume
  • TOEFL with a score of 80 on iBT, IELTS with 6.5 score
Q:   Is Penn State and Penn State University-University Park the same?
A: 

The primary campus of Penn State University is the University Park campus. Penn State is the entire university system that includes 20+ campuses across Pennsylvania. University Park campus is the flagship campus of Penn State University system. This is the largest and most prestigious campus. Generally, people refer to Penn State informally, but, they usually mean University Park, which is one of the many campuses of this university. Around 275 courses are offered at this campus and there are 1000+ student groups. Also, there are 29 NCAA Division I teams of the university in the Big Ten Conference.

Q:   How much does Penn State University cost?
A: 

Penn State University tuition fee for University Park students is USD 43,290 (Around INR 37.3 lakh) for 2024-25. Furthermore, the students are also required to pay the living expenses. So, the food and housing expenses will be USD 14,474 (Around INR 12.4 L). The total cost of attendance for the international students at the University Park is going to be around USD 57,764 (Around INR 50 L).

qna

Comments

qna

Penn State University

Student Forum

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

Answered a month ago

As of Fall 2024, Penn State University Park boasts a student population of nearly 88,000. This class is the second-the largest in the university's history. The enrollment trends for the UG and graduate students of PennState are given below:

Academic session 

Total Undergraduates 

Total Graduates 

2024/25 

 73,394

 13,038

2023/24 

 73,250

13,091 

2022/23 

 73,159

13,449 

2021/22 

 73,476

13,873 

2020/21 

 74,446

14,039 

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The cost of attending Pennsylvania State University, University Park, for international UG students for the academic session 2024-25 can be checked from the table given below:

ParticularsEstimated academic year cost

Tuition and Fees

USD 43,290 (INR 37.6L)

Food and Housing

USD 14,474 (INR 12.6L)

TOTAL

USD 57,764 (INR 50.1L)

1 USD = INR 86.75

(Given rates are estimates and thus subject to change. Students can refer to the official university websit

...Read more

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

PennState accepts students from all around the globe with diverse backgrounds. The ethnic breakdown data of undergraduate students of Penn State University Park as of Fall 2024 is given below:  

Ethnic/Racial Group 

Headcount 

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic 

29 

American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic 

50 

Race and/or ethnicity unknown 

1,052 

Two or more races, non-Hispanic 

1,723 

Black or African American, non-Hispanic 

1,929 

Asian, non-Hispanic 

3,224 

Hispanic Latino 

3,963 

Nonresidents 

3,989 

White, non-Hispanic 

26,660 

Total 

42,619 

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Founded in 2003, the Indian Graduate Student Association at Penn State University is a student-run organisation that acts as a platform to integrate Indian graduate and post-doctoral scholars at this university. The main aim of this association is to create a platform for graduate students and resea

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 months ago

When it comes to the Penn State University-University Park courses, the main campus offers over 275 baccalaureate programs to its students. For the Bachelors degree, some the top majors recorded to be General Finance, Information Science, General Psychology, General Computer & Information Sciences,

...Read more

R

Ridhi

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

author image
Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.

Penn State University

Penn State University Others(1)Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Penn State University Others(2)Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State University Others(3)HUB-Robeson Center
Penn State University Others(1)
Penn State University Others(2)

Penn State University
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityState College, Pennsylvania, USA

Penn State University
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 University
Contact Information

Address

University Park, State College, PA 16801, United States

State College ( Pennsylvania)

Go to College Website ->