Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University—commonly known as Penn State—is a public land-grant research university with a reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant student life. With its main campus located in University Park, Pennsylvania, and more than 20 additional campuses across the state, Penn State serves over 88,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in the United States.

Academic Structure

Penn State is organized into 24 campuses and 18 colleges, including:

College of Engineering
Smeal College of Business
College of the Liberal Arts
Eberly College of Science
College of Agricultural Sciences
Penn State Law
College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST)

The university offers over 275 undergraduate majors and more than 300 graduate and professional programs. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, Penn State is particularly strong in fields such as engineering, business, computer science, agricultural sciences, and communications.

Research Activities

Penn State is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity. It ranks among the top 25 U.S. universities for research expenditures, investing over $1.2 billion annually. Key research institutes include:

Materials Research Institute
Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS)
Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences
Applied Research Laboratory (ARL)

Major areas of research include sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, and healthcare. Penn State partners with federal agencies such as NASA, the NIH, and the Department of Defense, as well as private industry.

International Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2025:
Top 100 globally
Times Higher Education (THE) 2024:
Top 120 globally
U.S. News & World Report 2024:
60th in National Universities (U.S.)
QS Rankings by Subject:
Top 20 globally in Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State is consistently praised for its academic quality, research output, and employability of its graduates worldwide.

Campus Life

Penn State’s flagship campus, University Park, is a dynamic and scenic environment with over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, Big Ten athletics, and extensive arts and cultural programming. The university has a strong tradition in college football, centered around Beaver Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the world.

The university’s THON event, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, raises millions annually for pediatric cancer research. Students also enjoy modern residence halls, cutting-edge recreational facilities, and a rich social scene.

Notable Alumni

Keegan-Michael Key
– Actor and comedian
Guion Bluford
– First African American astronaut in space
Herman Fisher
– Co-founder of Fisher-Price
Ty Burrell
– Emmy-winning actor (Modern Family)
Valerie Plame
– Former CIA operative and author

Future Goals

Penn State’s strategic plan focuses on advancing global impact, fostering inclusive excellence, and innovating in education and research. The university is investing in AI and sustainability, expanding online education through World Campus, and committing to carbon neutrality by 2035. Strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion is also a central goal.

Contact Information

Website:

https://www.psu.edu

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+1 814-865-4700

International Office:

[email protected]

Address:

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA

Admission Requirements & Application Procedures

Undergraduate Admissions

Domestic Applicants:

Apply via the Common App or Penn State Application. Requirements include high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores (test-optional), and a personal statement.

International Applicants:

Equivalent secondary school diploma
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 115+
Financial documentation
Optional standardized tests (SAT/ACT)

Graduate Admissions

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent
GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 (varies by program)
GRE/GMAT (depending on the program)
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+
Letters of recommendation, CV/resume, statement of purpose

All applications are submitted online via the Penn State Graduate School or individual department websites. Deadlines and requirements vary by program.