Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania, United States
Founded1855
Campus118 acres
Research$1.4B
Students75,000 UG / 13,000 PG
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Founded in 1855, The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a premier public, land-grant, multi-campus research university. As Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, it is dedicated to a tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. The university is a major economic driver, contributing an estimated $15.8 billion annually to the state’s economy while serving approximately 90,000 students globally.
Penn State is known for its vast academic offerings, including over 275 undergraduate majors and 300 graduate degree programs. It is one of only three institutions in the United States designated as a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Sun Grant, and Space Grant university. The institution is led by a Board of Trustees and the University President, with a focus on student success and interdisciplinary research.
Popular Programs
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in African Studies
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics
B.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Art
Location
Penn State operates a unique "one university, geographically distributed" model, comprising 24 undergraduate campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This structure ensures that 75% of Pennsylvania residents live within 15 miles of a Penn State location. The administrative and research hub is located at University Park, with other major campuses including Abington, Altoona, Behrend (Erie), Berks, Harrisburg, and a dedicated College of Medicine in Hershey.
The university also maintains specialized locations for professional studies, including Dickinson Law in Carlisle and Penn State Law at University Park. Additionally, the university serves a global student body through its online World Campus. While the university is currently undergoing a strategic transition that includes a campus master planning effort and the closure of seven Commonwealth campuses after the 2026-27 academic year, it continues to invest heavily in its remaining 13 Commonwealth locations.
University Park, United States
Also in: Abington, United States · Altoona, United States · Monaca, United States · Reading, United States · Media, United States · Hershey, United States · Carlisle, United States · DuBois, United States · Erie, United States · Lemont Furnace, United States · McKeesport, United States · Malvern, United States · Middletown, United States · Hazleton, United States · Center Valley, United States · Mont Alto, United States · New Kensington, United States · Schuylkill Haven, United States · Dunmore, United States · Sharon, United States · Lehman, United States · York, United States · Williamsport, United States
Campuses
Penn State University Park
MainUniversity Park· United States
Penn State Abington
Abington· United States
Penn State Altoona
Altoona· United States
Penn State Beaver
Monaca· United States
Penn State Berks
Reading· United States
Penn State Brandywine
Media· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at Penn State is defined by a vibrant campus culture featuring over 1,200 student organizations. A cornerstone of the university's traditions is THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Since 1973, THON has raised over $254 million for pediatric cancer research, representing a significant point of pride and community engagement for the student body.
The university maintains a diverse and international community, hosting over 8,800 international students from more than 150 countries. Penn State is also recognized as a military-friendly institution, supporting over 5,000 military-connected learners and hosting one of the nation's largest and most traditional ROTC programs. Athletics play a major role in campus life, with the Nittany Lions fielding 31 varsity teams in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference.
Notable Alumni
The Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni network in the world, boasting over 800,000 members globally. This extensive network provides significant career advantages for graduates, contributing to the university's reputation for producing top-tier professional talent.
Reflecting its strong career outcomes, Penn State is ranked 35th among colleges with the most alumni serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. The university's global reach and professional prestige are reinforced by this active and influential community of former students.
Rankings
Penn State is consistently recognized as a world-class institution, frequently ranking in the top 1% of universities globally. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it placed 26th among national public universities and 59th overall. The university is also highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability, ranking 4th in the U.S. in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability.
Specific academic programs hold high national prestige, including Engineering (#21), Business (#24), Psychology (#33), and Nursing (#40). Globally, the university is ranked 57th by the Center for World University Rankings and 82nd in the QS World University Rankings. It holds the highest research rating from the Carnegie Foundation, reflecting its status as a top-tier academic institution.
Research
With annual research expenditures reaching $1.44 billion, Penn State is a top 30 U.S. research university. Its massive research enterprise is supported by seven interdisciplinary research institutes and 12 disciplines that rank in the top ten nationally for research expenditures. The university is a leader in interdisciplinary study, offering unique dual-title Ph.D. programs in fields such as Astrobiology and Clinical and Translational Sciences.
Innovation is a core focus, anchored by Innovation Park, a 118-acre site at University Park dedicated to research and manufacturing. The "Invent Penn State" initiative further drives economic development through 23 innovation spaces across Pennsylvania, including the North Central PA LaunchBox. These efforts support entrepreneurship and the practical application of university research across the Commonwealth.