Penn State University
University Park, United States • Founded 1855 • World Rank #86
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1855, the Penn State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of University Park (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.
This institution also has branch campuses in Abington, Logan Township, Monaca, Spring Township, Media, DuBois, Erie, Uniontown, McKeesport, Middletown, Hazleton, Fogelsville, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill Haven, Sharon, Lehman, Dunmore, York, Carlisle, Malvern, Hershey and Williamsport. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Penn State University (PSU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Penn State University (PSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 169-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. PSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address, contact details, and online presence for Penn State University are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of Penn State University, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Academic Structures
Penn State University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 20 items
- College of Agricultural Sciences
- College of Arts and Architecture
- College of Communications
- College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Health and Human Development
- College of Medicine
- College of the Liberal Arts
- Dickinson School of Law
- Eberly College of Science
- Graduate School
- Great Valley School of Graduate and Professional Studies
- Medical Center and College of Medicine
- Penn State Law
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- School of Information Sciences and Technology
- School of Nursing
- Schreyer Honors College
- Smeal College of Business
Programs Offered
Penn State University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
21 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Master's Degree 20 programmes
Showing 10 of 20.
Doctorate 1 programme
How to apply to Penn State University
A short guide to applying to Penn State University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Penn State University's catalogue includes 21 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Penn State University's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Penn State University's official website at www.psu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (814) 865 4700. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penn State University
Frequently asked questions about Penn State University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is Penn State University?
The institution opened in 1855 (approximately 171 years ago).
What city is Penn State University in?
Penn State University operates from University Park, United States.
Is Penn State University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Penn State University's student body?
Penn State University serves approximately over-50,000 students.
Where does Penn State University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #86 globally and #22 in United States.
How many faculties does Penn State University have?
Penn State University is organised into 20 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Penn State University accredited?
Yes, Penn State University is recognised by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Penn State University?
Penn State University's official website is www.psu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Looking for the strongest names in the United States? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking Penn State University against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United States.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Universities affiliated with Association of American Universities (AAU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Penn State University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Penn State University may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Universities Compared with Penn State University
Looking at Penn State University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Penn State University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
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