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Report Card
The teachers at Penn State are, for the most part, really cool. Everyone here likes the sociology classes because those classes have the coolest teachers. There’s work involved with all classes, but look for classes that allow discussions and debates.
- anonymous on Academics at Penn State
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Overall Experience

Penn State - University Park, PA

Despite common reservations about the location and climate, most Penn State students are fiercely loyal to their alma mater. Penn State boasts one of the largest alumni populations in the United States; graduates are proud of their degrees, and employers recognize the University’s name immediately. Although the campus is located in a very rural area, school is technologically up-to-date and on the cutting-edge of current research.

Aside from academics, PSU is also known for its social scene, especially in relation to sports and parties. Nittany Lion football—home of the 2006 Orange Bowl Champions—is a national draw and a point of pride for both the University and the town of State College. For anyone interested in playing or watching varsity sports, PSU is a top choice. Penn State has also been ranked highly by many polls and “party school” surveys as one of the top party schools in the nation. While it certainly isn’t the wildest town, these rankings are definitely accurate. The small-town setting and large-school atmosphere makes for little else in the way of entertainment, so it can be hard to avoid encountering the party scene during your time as a student. Still, the mix of work and leisure seems to work well for most of the student body, and academic standards at Penn State remain relatively high. It’s easy to spend four years at Penn State as an ever-serious student, focused completely on whatever you choose to study. With so many opportunities to relax nearby, balance and moderation are some of the best skills to learn from your four years in college.

By The Numbers

General Information:
Penn State
201 Old Main
State College, PA 16802

Control:
Public

Academic Calendar:
Semester

Religious Affiliation:
None

Founded:
1855

Web Site:
Main Phone:
(814) 865-4700

Full-Time Undergraduates:
34,637

Part-Time Undergraduates:
1,429

Total Female Undergraduates:
15,756

Overall Acceptance Rate:
62%

Early Decision Acceptance Rate:
Not offered

Early Action Acceptance Rate:
Not offered

Total Applicants:
29,904

Total Acceptances:
18,423

Freshman Enrollment:
6,496

Yield (% of admitted students who actually enroll):
35%

Regular Decision Deadline:
Rolling

Regular Decision Notification:
Rolling, beginning November 1 

Must-Reply-By Date:
May 1

Transfer Applications Received:
1,252

Transfer Applications Accepted:
640

Transfer Students Enrolled:
348

SAT I or ACT Required?:
Either

SAT I Range (25th–75th Percentile):
1090–1300

SAT I Verbal Range (25th–75th Percentile):
530–630

SAT I Math Range (25th–75th Percentile):
560–670

Freshman Retention Rate:
93%

Top 10% of High School Class:
40%

Application Fee:
$50

Supplemental Forms?:
None

Admissions Phone:
(814) 865-5471

Admissions E-Mail:
Admissions Web Site:
In-State Tuition:
$11,024

Out-of-State Tuition:
$21,260

Room and Board:
$6,530

Books and Supplies:
$1,040  

Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package (including loans, grants, work study, and other sources):
$13,937

Students Who Applied for Financial Aid:
68%

Applicants Who Received Financial Aid:
50%

Financial Aid Forms Deadline:
February 15

Financial Aid Phone:
(814) 865-6301

Financial Aid Web Site:

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