PublicUrban

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Penn State

University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Large campusUrban

Known for business — major research university

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public institution in University Park with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1316, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 41.9K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

86% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,435 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $32,598.

Established

1855

Motto

On seal: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"

Mascot

Nittany Lion

Type

Public state-related land-grant research university

Division

Division I

Plan Your Visit

54%Acceptance

1316SAT Avg

41,862Students

15:1Student:Faculty

86%Grad Rate

$63,435Earnings 10yr

$32,598Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate54.2%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1316

Reading & Writing

610690

Math

610710

ACT Score Range

Composite

2732

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$20,234

Tuition (out-of-state)$40,188

Room & Board$13,030

Books & Supplies$1,840

Total Cost of Attendance$39,160

Average Net Price$32,598

Median Debt at Graduation$25,000

Monthly Payment (10yr)$265

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$19,458

$30–48K$19,743

$48–75K$26,257

$75–110K$33,579

$110K+$37,209

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

60.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

5.6%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

318

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

Burglary

Aggravated Assault

Robbery

Motor Vehicle Theft

Sex Offenses

Arson

Drug Arrests

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

92%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads

41,862

Gender Split

47% / 53%

Women / Men

First Generation

29%

Pell Grant Recipients

13%

Race & Ethnicity

White 63%

Black 5%

Hispanic 9%

Asian 7%

Two+ 4%

Int'l 10%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate85.7%

Freshman Retention92.0%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$55,620

10 Years$63,435

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News

#59

—

vs 2024

Forbes

#338

—

vs 2024

Wall Street Journal

#29

—

vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

VolleyballHockeySoccerIce hockeyLacrosseLacrosse soccerSoccer softballVolleyball wrestlingHockey quick

History & Fun Facts

•History Main article: History of Pennsylvania State University 19th century Old Main at Penn State in 1855 The university's Electrical Engineering and Chemistry Building, c.
•1894 Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 when James Irvin, a U.
•8 km) of land in Centre County to the newly-established Farmers High School of Pennsylvania, representing the first of 10,101 acres (41 km) the school eventually acquired.
•In 1862, the school's name was changed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania.

Source: Wikipedia