Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — major research university
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public institution in University Park with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1316, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 41.9K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
86% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $63,435 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $32,598.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Main article: History of Pennsylvania State University 19th century Old Main at Penn State in 1855 The university's Electrical Engineering and Chemistry Building, c.
- •1894 Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 when James Irvin, a U.
- •8 km) of land in Centre County to the newly-established Farmers High School of Pennsylvania, representing the first of 10,101 acres (41 km) the school eventually acquired.
- •In 1862, the school's name was changed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1316
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
60.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
92%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
318
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + city premium