Education
Drexel University: Cost, Admissions, Rankings, Programs & Housing
June 6, 2025
|
5 min read
Pennsylvania State University is not simply a university. It is a functional student ecosystem, a research behemoth, and it cares about your personal development as much as your professional development. In a lovely slice of Pennsylvania, the university itself welcomes well over 88,000 students across all of its campuses. Whether you're in search of meaningful and career-defining majors, affordability, or legitimate campus student life, Pennsylvania State University is uniquely suited for you.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need to understand everything about Pennsylvania State University - admissions and scholarships, tuition and major highlights, and even housing options. If you are currently a high school student investigating top universities or an international student planning your U.S. study opportunity, Pennsylvania State University should be considered a serious name at the top of your list.
What Makes the Pennsylvania State University a Top Choice?
Choosing where to study is an important decision, and Pennsylvania State University offers everything a student looking for educational success, a supportive community, and preparation for the real world will want. One of the primary reasons students attend Penn State is its distinctive combination of rigorous academics and community engagement. Penn State excels in maintaining strong academics across liberal arts, engineering, sciences, and business. Regardless of a student's area of study, it is difficult to find a more solid academic foundation than at Penn State.
Pennsylvania State University programs are designed to offer students hands-on opportunities to enhance their learning. The university offers the most academic flexibility with more than 275 undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate programs, allowing students to create their future educational journey. From internships, co-op opportunities, or research with faculty, students engage in practical opportunities that will distinguish them from their peers after graduation. Additionally, the largest Penn State alumni network can provide opportunities to connect for mentorship and future opportunities anywhere in the world.
Outside of the classroom structure, Penn State is alive with activity. In addition to clubs, Big Ten athletic opportunities, and the THON opportunity (the largest student-run philanthropy in the world) for students to engage in a full range of college experiences!
Pennsylvania State University Rankings
Pennsylvania State University remains consistently ranked in the top echelon of public universities in the U.S., which speaks volumes about the education, quality, research output, and student satisfaction it offers. The university has a strong rank nationally and internationally due to its quality of academic excellence and global engagement.
Recent Rankings Highlights:
- #30 among Top Public Schools – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #63 in National Universities – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #96 in Best Global Universities – U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- #20 in Undergraduate Engineering Programs (at schools with doctorates) – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #21 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #89 in QS World University Rankings – QS World University Rankings, 2025
- Top 50 Worldwide for Employer Reputation – QS World University Rankings, 2024
- #1 for Alumni Network in Public Universities – Princeton Review, 2023
These Pennsylvania State University rankings reflect the commitment to delivering top-tier academics, building a supportive community, and preparing students for real-world success.
Best Pennsylvania State University Majors & Programs
Pennsylvania State University provides perhaps the most diverse and elite academic catalog in the U.S. Whatever your area of demonstrated interest in - engineering, liberal arts, or business - the institution has a program to drive your success! With more than 275 undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate programs, students can develop their academic plans as they wish.
Some of the most popular and high-ranking Pennsylvania State University majors include:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
- Business and Management (via Smeal College of Business)
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology and Human Development
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Communications and Journalism
The Pennsylvania State University course catalog is updated regularly to reflect market trends and future job landscapes. Additionally, Pennsylvania State University online programs provide flexible learning options for remote and non-traditional students.
Pennsylvania State University Admissions Process
The application process for Pennsylvania State University is fairly simple. Whether you are a domestic or international applicant, Penn State uses a holistic review process on your application, which includes your academic record and personal endorsement of your goals.
The Pennsylvania State University admissions process step-by-step:
- Choose Your Application: Common Application or MyPennState (the Penn State application portal)
(First-year and transfer applicants can use either path.) - Outline Your Timeline:
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: December 1 (some majors have earlier priority deadlines- always confirm on the official admissions site)
- Required Materials
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores, optional through 2025
- Personal essay or statement
- Letters of recommendation, not required, but are recommended
- Application Fee
- $65 for domestic students
- $75 for international students
- Check for Major-Specific Requirements
Some programs at Pennsylvania State University (such as nursing or architecture) may necessitate a portfolio or total submission of supplemental materials. - Follow Up on Your Status
Use the MyPennState portal to keep tabs on your application and respond to requests.
Pennsylvania State University's acceptance rate is around 55%. This makes it a moderately selective university.
Pennsylvania State University Tuition Fees
If you decide to attend Pennsylvania State University, it is important to consider the total cost of your education, which would include tuition and fees, as well as living expenses. Pennsylvania State University has 20 campuses and tuition fluctuates based on campus, students' resident status, and the program enrolled. Below, we have discussed the fees for the main campus, University Park, for full-time students.
Tuition is billed per semester, but students should expect to pay tuition fees, housing, and meal plans annually.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2024–2025) – University Park
Understanding the costs will help students navigate financial aid and scholarship applications and budget while attending Pennsylvania State University.
Pennsylvania State University Scholarships
Pennsylvania State University has a range of scholarships to help students finance their education. Scholarships at Penn State are awarded based on academic achievement and financial need, as well as leadership and community service.
Below are some of the major scholarship programs for undergraduates:
University-Wide Scholarships
The size and availability of scholarships vary by campus and academic college at Pennsylvania State University. For most need-based scholarships, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA.
On-Campus Accommodation at Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University offers a broad range of on-campus housing opportunities that are designed to address the academic and social supports needed by students, while establishing a comfortable living space.
For First-Year Students
At Pennsylvania State University, most first-year students are required to live on campus. The university offers various residence hall complexes specifically for first-year students, like:
- East Halls
- Pollock Halls
- South Halls
- West Halls
- North Halls
First-year halls generally have shared access and are furnished with basic furniture. First-year students must be on a meal plan as a requirement of living in the halls.
Upperclass Student Housing
Upperclassmen have plenty of housing options. These include traditional residence halls, apartment-style housing, and townhouse-style living:
- Eastview Terrace
- Nittany Apartments and Suites
- White Course Apartments
Meal plans are not required but are an option for upperclassmen.
Off-Campus Housing Near Pennsylvania State University
Selecting the perfect off-campus housing can have a big impact on your college experience at Pennsylvania State University. Whether you're looking for an active off-campus housing experience with friends or the quiet and independence of your own space, student apartments in State College have wonderful options just minutes from campus. Here are some of the best options for Penn State off-campus housing:
These communities offer different student living experiences, whether you are looking for accessible walking distance to class or top-tier amenities for a relaxing life.
Penn State Notable Alumni
Pennsylvania State University has a great history of graduating students who are able to make a substantial difference in their fields and communities. Its extensive alumni list includes leaders in business, science, politics, sports, and the arts.
- Kenneth Frazier – Chairman and CEO of Merck & Co., a global healthcare leader.
- Keegan-Michael Key – Award-winning comedian and actor, co-creator of Key & Peele.
- Paul Berg – Nobel Prize-winning biochemist recognized for his pioneering work in recombinant DNA.
- Tom Ridge – First U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania.
- Saquon Barkley – NFL running back for the New York Giants.
The achievements of Pennsylvania State University alumni show the university's commitment to excellence and its ability to steward talent in various fields.
.png)
.svg)
