
Penn State University, officially known as Pennsylvania State University, is a public land-grant research university with campuses across Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest public universities in the United States, with a high number of enrolled students. But how many students does Penn State University have, exactly? Let's delve into the numbers and explore the trends in enrollment at this renowned institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students enrolled | 87,995 (as of Fall 2024) |
| Undergraduate students | 74,000+ |
| Postgraduates | 14,000+ |
| First-year undergraduate students (Fall 2023) | 16,239 |
| First-generation students | 18,389 (25.1% of the undergraduate population) |
| Underrepresented minority students | 516 (3.8%) |
| International graduate students | 0.1% increase from 2023 to 2024 |
| International undergraduate students | 5.5% decrease from 2023 to 2024 |
| Number of campuses | 20 Commonwealth Campuses, 24 in total |
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What You'll Learn

Penn State University's 2023 enrollment numbers
A closer look at the enrollment data reveals that Penn State welcomed 16,239 first-year undergraduate students in the fall of 2023. This contributes to the overall steady enrollment across the institution. Notably, Penn State has achieved a fifth consecutive year of growth in residential underrepresented student enrollment, with a 3.9% increase since the previous fall. This positive trend reflects the university's commitment to fostering diversity and providing access to a quality education for students from all backgrounds.
The enrollment numbers also highlight a nearly 7% increase in the university's overall international student population from fall 2021 to fall 2022. However, there was a slight decline of 2.5% in international student enrollment in fall 2023. This decrease follows the rebound in enrollment numbers experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In terms of graduate student enrollment, Penn State maintained steady numbers, with 13,038 graduate students in 2023. This number is comparable to the 13,091 graduate students enrolled in 2022. While international graduate enrollment remained stable, with a slight increase of 0.1%, undergraduate international enrollment at Penn State experienced a 5.5% decline.
Despite the slight fluctuations in enrollment numbers, Penn State's overall enrollment for 2023 can be considered a success, particularly in the context of long-term enrollment trends. The university has been developing strategies to address the challenge of declining enrollment at its Commonwealth Campuses, which have seen an aggregate decrease of approximately 24% over the last decade. Penn State's commitment to accessibility and diversity has contributed to its strong enrollment performance, positioning it as a leading educational institution in the United States.
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The university's strategies to address enrollment declines
Penn State University has seen a small decline in resident instruction enrollment, with a decrease of 471 students (or 2%) across all 20 Penn State Commonwealth Campuses combined. Over the last 10 years, there has been a more significant decline of 24% in enrollment at these campuses.
To address this, the university has been developing strategies to combat long-term decreases in enrollment. These strategies include:
- Increasing diversity in the applicant pool: Penn State's participation in the student admissions common application has helped to attract a broader range of applicants from diverse backgrounds.
- Outreach initiatives: The university has strategically used recruitment centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to create broader outreach to diverse communities within the Commonwealth.
- Greater accessibility: The flexible structure of the Commonwealth Campus and World Campus has improved accessibility for students.
- Focus on first-generation students: Many first-generation students begin their studies at a Commonwealth Campus, and the university has seen an increase in the overall number of first-generation students.
- Emphasis on underrepresented minorities: The university has seen growth in the enrollment of underrepresented minority students, with a 3.8% increase. This is a result of the university's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
These strategies have helped Penn State maintain steady enrollment, with a total of 87,995 students enrolled across its campuses in fall 2024. The university remains one of the largest public universities in the United States, with a strong commitment to educating Pennsylvanians and providing access to a quality education for students from all backgrounds.
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The number of first-year students in 2023
The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State University, is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities across Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest public universities in the United States.
In 2023, Penn State University welcomed 16,239 first-year undergraduate students, according to the University's annual enrollment snapshot released on November 2, 2023. This number represents a slight decrease of 0.2% (213 students) from 2022.
The university's overall enrollment for fall 2023 remained steady at 87,903 students, including both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This number is a slight decrease from the previous year, but it still reflects a strong enrollment for the university.
Penn State University has experienced a five-year trend of growth in underrepresented student enrollment, with a particular increase in first-time and transfer undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. This growth can be attributed to various initiatives, including the University's participation in the student admissions common application and the strategic use of recruitment centers to create broader outreach to diverse communities.
Additionally, nearly half of all first-year undergraduate students begin their Penn State educational experience at one of the Commonwealth Campuses, and 80% of these students are Pennsylvania residents. This highlights the important role that these campuses play in advancing the university's mission and serving the citizens of Pennsylvania.
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The number of international students at the university
The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities across Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest public universities in the United States. In 2023, Penn State's overall enrollment was 87,903 students, with a slight decrease of 0.2% from the previous year.
In 2024, the university's total student population across all campuses was 87,995. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as domestic and international students. While the overall graduate student enrollment remained steady at around 13,000, there was a slight decrease in undergraduate international enrollment of 5.5%.
Penn State has seen fluctuations in its international student population over the years. Between fall 2021 and fall 2022, there was a notable increase of 7% in the overall international student population. However, in fall 2023, the international student enrollment saw a slight decline of 2.5%, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The university's diverse applicant pool and strategic recruitment efforts have contributed to its strong enrollment numbers. Penn State's flexible Commonwealth Campus structure and participation in the student admissions common application have also played a role in attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
While the exact number of international students at Penn State may vary from year to year, the university consistently attracts a significant number of international students due to its academic reputation and research opportunities.
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The number of students enrolled in 2024
As of fall 2024, Penn State University has 87,995 students enrolled across its campuses, according to the annual enrollment snapshot released on November 11, 2024. This number includes undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the overall graduate student enrollment remaining steady at 13,038. The university has seen a small decline in resident instruction enrollment, with a decrease of 471 students or 2% across all 20 Penn State Commonwealth Campuses combined. However, some individual campuses have experienced slight increases in enrollment.
Penn State University welcomed 16,239 first-year undergraduate students in fall 2023, with overall enrollment remaining steady across the institution. The university has a strong enrollment of 87,903 students in fall 2023, which is a slight decrease of 0.2% from the previous year. Penn State has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, with a five-year trend of growth in underrepresented student enrollment. The university's flexible Commonwealth Campus and World Campus structure has contributed to greater accessibility and a more diverse applicant pool.
In terms of student demographics, approximately 58% of the overall student population at Penn State University in 2024 are in-state students, totaling 50,766. This is consistent with previous years' trends. Additionally, the university has seen an increase in the number of first-generation students, with a total of 18,389, representing 25.1% of the undergraduate population. There has also been a growth in the enrollment of underrepresented minority students, contributing to the university's diverse student body.
Penn State University is one of the largest public universities in the United States, enrolling more than 89,000 students, according to some sources. The university has a significant impact on the state's economy, with its students, faculty, and staff making a positive difference in communities worldwide. While the exact number of students enrolled in 2024 may fluctuate slightly, Penn State University consistently maintains a high enrollment, solidifying its reputation as a prominent educational institution.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2024, Penn State University has 87,995 students enrolled across its campuses.
Yes, the number of enrolled students at Penn State University has changed over the years. In 2023, the university had 87,903 students enrolled, a decrease of 0.2% from the previous year. In 2024, the university saw a further small decline in resident instruction enrollment, with a decrease of 471 students or 2%.
In 2023, Penn State University welcomed 16,239 first-year undergraduate students.











































