Pennsylvania State University 2025-26: Rankings, Fees, and Details

Curious about what makes Pennsylvania State University a top choice in 2025–26? Explore the latest rankings, tuition fees, and academic details is Penn State the perfect university for your future? From global rankings to game-changing tuition updates, Pennsylvania State University is rewriting the playbook on what it means to be a top-tier institution.

Whether you’re a high school senior eyeing your dream school, a transfer student looking for value, or a parent planning ahead, the latest details on Penn State are too important to miss. Curious about what makes it one of the most desirable universities this year? The truth about Penn State 2025–26 is more amazing than you could imagine, so keep reading.

This all-inclusive guide will give you the knowledge you need to comprehend every aspect of Pennsylvania State University, including housing options, pricing, key features, and admissions and scholarships. If you are a high school student searching for a prestigious university or an international student planning a study abroad program in the United States, Pennsylvania State University should be at the top of your list.

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Why Is Pennsylvania State University a Great Option?

Deciding where to study is crucial, and Pennsylvania State University provides all the resources a student could need for academic success, a caring community, and real-world readiness. Penn State’s unique blend of demanding coursework and community involvement is one of the main draws for students. In the fields of business, engineering, science, and the liberal arts, Penn State excels at upholding high academic standards. There isn’t a more strong intellectual foundation than Penn State, regardless of a student’s field of study.

Programs at Pennsylvania State University are meant to give students practical experiences to improve their education. With more than 300 graduate programs and more than 275 undergraduate majors, the university offers the most academic flexibility, allowing students to plan their future academic journey. Through co-ops, internships, and academic research, students participate in real-world experiences that will set them apart from their classmates once they graduate.

Furthermore, the biggest network of Penn State alumni worldwide might offer chances to network for future possibilities and guidance. Outside of the classroom building, Penn State is a bustling place. Students can participate in a wide variety of campus activities, including organizations, Big Ten sporting events, and THON, the world’s largest student-run charity!

Pennsylvania State University Rankings

The fact that Pennsylvania State University is continuously rated among the best public colleges in the United States says a lot about the quality, research output, education, and student happiness it provides. The university’s academic brilliance and worldwide participation have earned it a high ranking both domestically and internationally.

Recent Rankings Highlights:

According to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, #30 among the Best Public Schools
U.S. News & World Report 2025 places national universities at # 63.
On the 2024 list of the Best Global Universities published by U.S. News & World Report, #96
U.S. News & World Report, 2025, ranked #20 in undergraduate engineering programs (at doctorate-granting institutions).
It is ranked number 21 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs.
The 2025 QS World University Rankings place it at number 89.
Top 50 Employer Reputation Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings, 2024

The dedication to providing top-notch instruction, creating a welcoming environment, and preparing students for success in the real world is reflected in these Pennsylvania State University rankings.

Academic Programs and Colleges

Perhaps the most prestigious and varied academic catalog in the United States is offered by Pennsylvania State University. Whether you have a proven passion in business, engineering, or the liberal arts, the school has a program to help you succeed! Penn State offers more than 275 majors, 300+ minors, and 200 graduate programs across its 18 colleges. At Pennsylvania State University, some of the most popular and prestigious majors are:

Popular Undergraduate Majors:

Business (especially Finance and Supply Chain)
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
Computer Science
Nursing and Health Sciences
Journalism and Media Studies
Psychology and Education

Graduate Programs of Note:

MBA and EMBA (Smeal College of Business)
Law (Penn State Law)
Education (M.Ed., Ed.D., Ph.D.)
Agriculture and Environmental Studies
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Special Academic Features:

Schreyer Honors College: Extremely selective, elite honors school
Integrated undergraduate-graduate (IUG) programs
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Study abroad programs in over 50 countries

Online Learning with World Campus:

Provides over 150 degrees and certificates online.
Ideal for working professionals or remote learners

The course catalog of Pennsylvania State University is updated frequently to take into account current and upcoming employment trends. For distant and non-traditional students, Pennsylvania State University’s online programs also offer flexible learning opportunities.

Pennsylvania State University Admission Requirements

Applying to Pennsylvania State University is a pretty easy procedure. With an average acceptance rate of 60%, Penn State’s admissions procedure is considered to be somewhat difficult. Penn State evaluates applications holistically, taking into account both your academic record and your support of your objectives, regardless of whether you are applying from within the country or abroad.

Undergraduate Admissions:

Select Your Program: Both the Common Application and the Penn State application platform, MyPennState, are available to first-year and transfer applicants.
Official transcript from high school
SAT or ACT: Test-optional for 2025–26
High School GPA: Minimum recommended GPA of 3.0; average admits have 3.5+
Required coursework in English, Math, Science, and a Foreign Language
Optional personal statement
Recommendation letters (Optional)
Application Fee
- $65 for domestic students
- $75 for international students

Graduate Admissions:

GRE may be required for some programs
Bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA
Letters of recommendation and Statement of Purpose
Resume/CV and relevant work experience (for professional programs)

International Students:

TOEFL (minimum 80) or IELTS (minimum 6.5)
Credential evaluation for transcripts
Proof of financial support
Visa documentation (I-20/DS-2019 issuance)

Check for Major-Specific Requirements

A portfolio or the complete submission of extra materials may be required for certain programs at Pennsylvania State University, such as nursing or architecture.

Follow Up on Your Status

To monitor your application and reply to inquiries, use the MyPennState portal.
The admittance rate at Pennsylvania State University is approximately 55%. It is therefore a university with a moderate level of selection.

Pennsylvania State University Tuition Fees

The entire cost of your education, including living expenses and tuition, and fees, should be taken into account if you choose to enroll at Pennsylvania State University. Penn State offers a variety of tuition rates depending on campus location, residency status, and academic program. Here’s what to expect:

University Park (Main Campus):

In-state undergraduates: Approx. $20,480 per year
Out-of-state undergraduates: Approx. $38,650 per year

Commonwealth Campuses:

In-state: $15,500–$18,000
Out-of-state: $25,000–$30,000

Graduate Programs:

Vary widely; most range from $22,000 to $35,000 annually, depending on the program and campus

Additional costs:

Room and Board: $12,500–$14,500
Books and Supplies: ~$1,200
Personal/Miscellaneous: $2,000–$3,000

Students can better manage their finances and apply for financial aid and scholarships while attending Pennsylvania State University if they are aware of the costs.

Pennsylvania State University Scholarships

A variety of scholarships are available at Pennsylvania State University to assist students in paying for their education. Penn State awards scholarships based on financial need, leadership, and community service in addition to academic accomplishment. Some of the most prominent undergraduate scholarship programs are listed below:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Award Amount (Annual)
Provost's Award	First-time, first-year students at any Penn State campus (excluding World Campus); selection based on academic record	Varies
Discover Penn State Award	Domestic first-year students enrolling at campuses other than University Park or World Campus	Varies
Academic College Scholarships	Offered by individual colleges within Penn State based on academic merit	$700 – $4,000
Campus Scholarships	Available at individual campuses; awarded for academic performance, financial need, or leadership	$800 – $6,000

At Pennsylvania State University, the amount and accessibility of scholarships differ by location and academic college. Students are recommended to fill out the FAFSA for the majority of need-based scholarships.

Campus Life and Facilities

The founding of Pennsylvania State University took place in 1855. University Park campus is the primary campus, however, it includes 24 campuses. Small College, a tiny city, is home to the university campus. Housing, clubs and organizations, and sports are among the facilities available to students. The total area of the campus is 7,958 acres.

Pennsylvania State University-University Park Campus Overview

University Park is the largest of the 24 campuses that make up Pennsylvania State University. Approximately 46,000 undergraduate students from a variety of backgrounds live on the University Park campus. The following information pertains to the Penn State campus in University Park:

Buildings: Students at Penn State University Park enjoy walking past famous structures like Old Main Daily while also enjoying the conveniences of brand-new buildings like the Life Sciences Building and the Information Sciences and Technology Building.
Accommodation: First-year students at Pennsylvania State University’s University Park campus are required to live on campus. More than 14,000 students are living on campus.
Clubs and Organizations: The University Park campus is home to more than 1,000 clubs and organizations, including those in the performing arts, media, professional, dance, and other fields.
Events: The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, a Signature Local Events event, is open to Penn State University Park students.

Pennsylvania State University Park Athletics

A member of the Big Ten Conference, Penn State University Park campus offers a range of Division I athletic programs. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, golf, gymnastics, and other sports are offered at facilities for both men and women.

Details about the Pennsylvania State University Park Campus

Pennsylvania State University’s Park campus is located in the small town of State College. The details of the University Park campus are as follows:

There are about 275 baccalaureate degrees available.
There are about 47,000 students living on the University Park campus.
There are almost a thousand clubs and organizations.
Big Ten Conference Division I NCAA

Other Campuses of The Pennsylvania State University

The remaining Penn State campuses, excluding University Park, are listed below:

Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Behrend, Brandywine, Dubois, Carlisle, Fayette, Great Valley, Harrisburg, Greater Allegheny, Hershey, Hazelton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Worldcampus, York

Pennsylvania State University Park Student Body

There are about 46,000 students enrolled at the Park campus of Pennsylvania State University. There are around 10,000 international students enrolled at the University Park campus as of the fall of 2022. Additionally, India is among the top nations from which most overseas students travel for their studies. As per the recent information in May 2023, around 1,800 students traveled from India.

On-Campus Accommodation at Pennsylvania State University

A wide variety of on-campus housing options are available at Pennsylvania State University, all of which are intended to provide students with the social and academic assistance they require while creating a cozy living environment. The majority of first-year students at Pennsylvania State University must live on campus. For first-year students, the university provides several resident hall complexes, including:

East Halls
Pollock Halls
South Halls
West Halls
North Halls

First-year residence halls are often equipped with simple furnishings and offer communal access. Living in the residence halls requires first-year students to be on a meal plan.

Upperclass Student Housing

There are many housing alternatives for upperclassmen. These consist of townhouse-style living, apartment-style lodging, and conventional resident halls:

Eastview Terrace
Nittany Apartments and Suites
White Course Apartments

Off-Campus Housing Near Pennsylvania State University

Your time at Pennsylvania State University can be significantly impacted by your choice of off-campus living. State College offers fantastic options for student apartments that are close to campus, whether you’re searching for a lively off-campus living experience with friends or the privacy and independence of your room. The following are a few of the top choices for off-campus living at Penn State:

Whether you want first-rate amenities for a restful life or a convenient walking distance to class, these communities provide a variety of student living options.

In conclusion, as we look ahead to the 2025–26 academic year, Pennsylvania State University continues to prove why it’s one of the most respected and sought-after public research institutions in the world. With impressive national and global rankings, a wide array of academic programs, and a strong commitment to student success, Penn State delivers on all fronts: academics, affordability, campus life, and career outcomes. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge research, online learning, or a traditional college experience, Penn State offers the flexibility and support to help you thrive. As you weigh your higher education options, Penn State stands out as a powerful, practical, and prestigious choice.