Pennsylvania State University
A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state Pennsylvania residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $57,200 within 10 years; strong 86% graduation rate.
About This School
Pennsylvania State University is a public institution located in University Park, Pennsylvania with approximately 42,284 undergraduate students enrolled. Pennsylvania State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 61%. The average net price after financial aid is $32,875 per year. The graduation rate is 86%, and the typical graduate earns $57,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
The Pennsylvania State University is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, Penn State was named the state's first land-grant university eight years later, in 1863. Its primary campus, known as Penn State University Park, is located in State College and College Township in Centre County.
This is a strong option for students who want a large, well-resourced public university with a proven track record — an 86% graduation rate and 92% freshman retention signal that most students who enroll actually finish. The median debt at graduation is a reasonable $19,500, though the $32,598 average net price adds up over four years, so run your actual aid numbers carefully before committing. Worth considering if you thrive in a big campus environment and are targeting fields like engineering, business, or agriculture where Penn State's reputation carries real weight with employers.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 17% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (42,284 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Pennsylvania
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA · Public
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA · Public
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Public
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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