Penn State Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 60.56%. Moderately selective, indicating a less competitive admission process.
- SAT Average: 1330. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $20,644
- Out-of-State Tuition: $41,790
- Tuition rates are on the higher end, which may reflect the institution's resources or prestige.
Student Population at Penn State:
- Total Enrollment: 50,737, including 321 online students
- 42,604 Undergraduate, 8,133 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 52.4% men, 47.6% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 86%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 2%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 93%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 445 academic programs available.
- Graduate Programs: 216 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Medical School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
Penn State Overview
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The Penn State's tuition & fees is $20,644 for Pennsylvania residents and $41,790 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 50% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $14,013.
The school has a total enrollment of 50,737 and the students to faculty ratio is 16 to 1 (6.25%).
Penn State's acceptance rate is 60.56% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 17.11%. The median SAT score is 1330 and the ACT score is 30.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $20,644 for in-state students and $41,790 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $26,034 for in-state students and $45,574 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $21,062 for Pennsylvania residents and $43,456 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $26,560 for Pennsylvania residents and $47,390 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $20,644 | $41,790 |
|---|
| Graduate | $26,034 | $45,574 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $21,062 | $43,456 |
|---|
| Graduate | $26,560 | $47,390 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at Penn State
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, NAVY, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | No |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Directory Information
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