Pennsylvania State University: A Student Population Overview

Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, is a large university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 42,223 as of fall 2023. The university has 24 campuses across Pennsylvania, with nearly 100,000 students enrolled across all campuses, including 47,000 at the University Park campus. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is particularly well-known for its athletic teams, known collectively as the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Pennsylvania State University's undergraduate enrollment

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a public university with a large undergraduate enrollment. The university has campuses and facilities across Pennsylvania, with its primary campus, Penn State University Park, located in State College and College Township.

As of fall 2023, the total undergraduate enrollment at Pennsylvania State University was 42,223. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, with 40,363 undergraduate students enrolled at the University Park campus in fall 2018. The university's undergraduate population is predominantly male, with men accounting for 54% of full-time undergraduate students.

Pennsylvania State University offers a wide range of academic programs and is particularly well-known for its engineering and agricultural studies. The university has a long history of student governance, with four student governments recognised by the university administration. The university's athletic teams, known as the Penn State Nittany Lions, have also achieved notable success, winning numerous national championships across various sports.

In summary, Pennsylvania State University's large undergraduate enrollment, diverse academic programs, active student governance, and successful athletic teams contribute to its reputation as a leading public university in the United States.

The university's graduate enrollment

The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, is a large university with a total enrollment of nearly 100,000 students across its 24 campuses. The university's primary campus, Penn State University Park, is located in State College and College Township, Pennsylvania.

The graduate enrollment at the University Park campus stands at 7,908 students, according to figures from 2022. This graduate student population comprises 48% women and 52% men. The graduate enrollment at the University Park campus is part of the larger student body at Penn State, which includes 42,223 undergraduate students as of Fall 2023.

Penn State is a public, state-related land-grant research university with a strong focus on academic excellence and a diverse range of programs. The university offers a wide variety of academic programs, with a total of 178 bachelor's degrees available. The institution is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University" with "very high research activity." It consistently ranks among the top universities in the world and is particularly renowned for its engineering, business, sciences, and education programs.

The graduate programs at Penn State are highly regarded, and the university attracts a significant number of international students, scholars, and faculty. The university's global strategy aims to enhance and diversify its education offerings and increase the international student population. This focus on global engagement is reflected in the vibrant community of nearly 10,000 international students, scholars, and faculty members from 140 countries who choose Penn State.

In addition to its academic reputation, Penn State also boasts a strong athletic program. The university's athletic teams, known collectively as the Penn State Nittany Lions, have achieved notable success across various sports. Penn State has won 82 national collegiate team championships, including 54 NCAA titles, and its students, alumni, faculty, and coaches have brought home a total of 74 Olympic medals.

Racial/ethnic diversity of students

The Pennsylvania State University, with its primary campus in State College and College Township, is a large university with a total enrollment of around 89,816 students, including 64,607 undergraduates and 7,908 graduate students.

The student body of Pennsylvania State University is predominantly white, with this demographic making up 58.8% of the total enrolled students. This is followed by:

• 7.91% Hispanic or Latino
• 6.61% Asian
• 4.33% Black or African American
• 3.38% Two or More Races
• 0.0979% American Indian or Alaska Native
• 0.074% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

The racial/ethnic minority population at the university makes up around 31% of the student body, indicating a medium level of racial diversity. The university's racial/ethnic diversity has been described as below average when compared to other institutions.

In terms of gender diversity, the university has a higher proportion of male students, with a gender ratio of approximately 53% men to 47% women. This makes it more popular with men than women, and it also has a higher gender diversity than the US average.

Male/female diversity of students

The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, has a large student population. The university's primary campus, Penn State University Park, had a total enrollment of around 89,816 students, including 64,607 undergraduates and 7,908 graduate students, as of 2025.

The gender breakdown of students at Penn State University Park shows that the university has a higher proportion of male students than female students. As of 2025, there were approximately 47,923 male students and 41,893 female students enrolled at the university, with men making up 54% of the undergraduate population and women comprising 46%men accounting for 52% and women 48%.

Compared to the US average of 56% female students across colleges, Penn State has a higher gender diversity and is considered very inclusive of both genders. The university's gender ratio is close to evenly split, with a slight male predominance, standing at approximately 53% men to 47% women.

The undergraduate population at Penn State University Park consists of a higher proportion of male students, with a gender ratio of 54% men to 46% women. This disparity is less pronounced among graduate students, with male students making up 52% and female students accounting for 48%.

The university's main campus, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, had a similar gender distribution in 2018, with 42.4% female students and 46.5% male students enrolled.

While Penn State University Park has a higher number of male students overall, it is worth noting that the university has a significant female student population and is considered inclusive of both genders in its student body.

The acceptance rate of applicants

The acceptance rate for applicants to Pennsylvania State University varies depending on the specific campus and programme.

Pennsylvania State University—University Park

The Pennsylvania State University—University Park, the university's primary campus, has an undergraduate acceptance rate of 49%. The campus received 85,957 applications in 2023 and extended offers of admission to 46,605 applicants (54%). Of those, 9,040 accepted their offer, a yield rate of 14%. The campus has an overall enrollment yield of 19.5%.

The Pennsylvania State University—University Park has a test-optional admissions policy. Of the 33% of incoming students in 2023 who submitted SAT scores, the interquartile range was 1230–1390. Of the 6% of incoming students who submitted ACT scores, the interquartile range was 27–32. The average high school GPA was 3.67.

Smeal College of Business

The Smeal College of Business has an average acceptance rate of 55% and an acceptance rate of 19% for its business school. The minimum GPA requirement for the college is 3.0.

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