Lana Oconnell
Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities across Pennsylvania, United States. The university enrols a large number of students, with varying figures reported across sources. While some sources state that the university enrols more than 89,000 students, others provide slightly lower figures, such as 87,995 and 50,766 students. The variation in these figures may be due to different reporting dates or specific campus focuses. The university's primary campus, Penn State University Park, located in State College and College Township, accounts for a significant portion of the student population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 89,816 |
| Undergraduate students | 64,607-74,000+ |
| Postgraduate students | 7,908-14,000+ |
| Male students | 47,923-52,600+ |
| Female students | 41,893-46,600+ |
| In-state students | 50,766 |
| First-generation students | 18,389 |
| Underrepresented minority students | 516 |
| Acceptance rate | 54.2% |
| Enrollment yield | 19.4% |
| On-campus students | 35% |
| Off-campus students | 65% |
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What You'll Learn
Total student enrolment
The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1855 and has since grown to become one of the largest public universities in the United States.
In terms of student enrolment, Pennsylvania State University enrols more than 89,000 students, according to sources. This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students across the university's various campuses. The university's primary campus, Penn State University Park, located in State College and College Township, accounts for a significant portion of the total enrolment.
As of 2024, Penn State's overall enrolment was reported to be steady, with approximately 87,995 students enrolled across its campuses. This number is slightly lower than the figure of over 89,000 students mentioned earlier, indicating a slight fluctuation in enrolment numbers from year to year.
Breaking down the enrolment numbers further, in 2023, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus received 85,956 undergraduate applications and offered admission to 46,605 students. The total number of students enrolled at the Main Campus that year was 50,399. Additionally, as of fall 2023, the Pennsylvania State University—University Park campus had a total undergraduate enrolment of 42,223 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 53% male and 47% female students.
The university has a history of growth and expansion. In the 20th century, Penn State's enrolment increased significantly, reaching 5,000 students in 1936. Under the leadership of President Milton S. Eisenhower in 1953, the university elevated its status and acquired more land, leading to a tripling of enrolment. This growth has continued over the years, contributing to the high enrolment numbers we see today.
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Undergraduate vs postgraduate
Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a large public university with a total enrollment of around 90,000 students across its various campuses. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its research capabilities. With such a large student body, Penn State caters to a diverse range of educational paths, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies. But what are the key differences between these two levels of study?
Undergraduate studies at Penn State, as at most universities, form the foundation of a student's academic journey. This level of study typically leads to a bachelor's degree and is often the first step toward higher education. Undergraduate programs offer a broad education, providing students with essential knowledge and skills in their chosen field, as well as a well-rounded understanding of other disciplines. During their undergraduate years, students have the opportunity to explore different areas of interest, develop critical thinking and analytical abilities, and build a solid base for their future careers or further academic pursuits.
In contrast, postgraduate, or graduate, studies imply a more specialized and focused approach to a specific field or discipline. At the postgraduate level, students have usually already earned their bachelor's degrees and are now aiming to deepen their knowledge and expertise in a particular area. Penn State offers various graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, which provide advanced coursework, research opportunities, and the chance to contribute new knowledge to their chosen field. Postgraduate studies often attract students who wish to pursue academic careers, specialized professions, or leadership roles in their industries.
One of the key differences between undergraduate and postgraduate studies lies in the level of independence and self-direction expected from students. Undergraduate programs tend to provide more structure and guidance, with a set curriculum and a range of support services to help students transition into higher education. On the other hand, postgraduate programs often require a higher degree of independence and self-motivation. Graduate students are generally expected to take more initiative in their learning, conducting independent research, contributing to academic discussions, and engaging in self-directed study.
Another distinction is the level of depth and complexity in the course content. Undergraduate courses aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of a subject, covering a broad range of topics and concepts. While challenging, the curriculum aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their field. Postgraduate courses, however, delve much deeper into specialized topics. They often involve exploring emerging theories, conducting original research, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in a specific discipline. Graduate courses are designed to challenge students and encourage critical analysis, independent thought, and innovative thinking.
Finally, the duration of undergraduate and postgraduate studies differs significantly. Undergraduate programs at Penn State typically lead to a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study to complete. This timeframe allows students to explore a variety of subjects, complete internships or practical components, and develop the skills needed for their future careers. In contrast, postgraduate programs can vary in length depending on the degree being pursued and the field of study. Master's degrees usually take one to two years to complete, while doctoral programs can range from three to five years or more, depending on the nature of the research involved.
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In-state vs out-of-state students
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, it is one of the largest public universities in the United States, enrolling more than 89,000 students, of which more than 74,000 are undergraduates and more than 14,000 are postgraduates. The primary campus, known as Penn State University Park, is located in State College and College Township.
As a state-affiliated institution, Penn State's tuition rates differ for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the overall student population comprised roughly 58% in-state students, or 50,766 students, with the remaining 42% being out-of-state students. This distribution is in line with previous years’ trends and reflects the University’s commitment to educating Pennsylvanians through its land-grant mission.
In general, to be considered a resident for tuition purposes, a student must live in Pennsylvania for non-academic reasons for a year before enrolment. Residency is usually set automatically based on the location of a student’s high school. However, if a student believes they have been incorrectly classified as an out-of-state student, they can submit a residency appeal.
The Commonwealth Campuses, in particular, have experienced steady enrollment declines over the past decade, with a more significant decline among out-of-state underrepresented minority students with low to no financial aid needs. Despite this, the overall enrollment of underrepresented minority students at the University increased by 3.8% in 2024, and the number of first-generation students also increased by 2.7%.
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Acceptance rate
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, it has since grown to become one of the largest public universities in the United States. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Penn State enrolled more than 87,995 students across its campuses, with more than 74,000 undergraduates and more than 14,000 postgraduates.
The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate of around 54% to 58%, depending on the source. This makes admissions competitive, but still accessible to strong applicants. The university takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering more than just grades. They look at SAT and ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal achievements.
The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1220 and 1480, with an average SAT score of around 1400. For the ACT, the middle 50% of students score between 27 and 33. A strong GPA of 3.65 or higher is also important for admission to Penn State, with most admitted students having a GPA between 3.65 and 3.94, and the university average being 3.79.
Penn State's graduation rate is 86%, placing it among the top 7% of universities in the US. The university has produced 82 national collegiate team championships and 74 Olympic medals for the US.
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Student accommodation
Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, is a public university with campuses and facilities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855, the university enrols over 89,000 students, including undergraduates and postgraduates. The university's Commonwealth Campuses have experienced fluctuations in enrolment over the past decade, with a recent decline in first-year undergraduate enrolment.
On-Campus Accommodation
Penn State offers various on-campus housing options for students, providing a range of residence halls and apartments to suit different needs. Here is a breakdown of the different accommodation areas:
- North Halls: Offers suite-style rooms in four residence halls for both first-year and upper-class students. First-year students can also reside in Robinson Hall, a renovated residence hall.
- Pollock Housing Area: The second-largest residence hall complex for first-year students, offering nine traditional co-ed residence halls.
- South Halls: Provides three traditional-style residence halls for both first-year and upper-class students. Additionally, there are nine renovated residence halls exclusively for upper-class students.
- West Halls: Offers a traditional collegiate experience with beautiful brick buildings and a central quad. First-year and upper-class students reside in six co-ed traditional residence halls.
- East Halls: The largest residence hall complex, accommodating first-year students in 16 co-ed renovated residence halls.
- Eastview Terrace: Houses upper-class students in seven residence halls, each with a single room and private bath. A limited number of double-occupancy rooms with private baths are also available.
- White Course Apartments: Located on the west end of the campus, these apartments cater to upper-class undergraduate students, graduate students, and students with families, offering a convenient and comfortable living space.
- Nittany Apartments: Features four-person apartments designed for upper-class students.
Off-Campus Accommodation
In addition to on-campus housing, students at Pennsylvania State University can explore off-campus accommodation options. Various online resources, such as student housing websites, provide information on comparing and securing off-campus housing near the university. These options may include apartments, shared housing, or private rentals, allowing students more flexibility and independence in their living arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2024, Pennsylvania State University has 87,995 students enrolled across its campuses.
As of fall 2023, there are 42,223 undergraduate students enrolled at Pennsylvania State University.
In 2024, 50,766 students or roughly 58% of the overall student population at Pennsylvania State University were in-state students.
