Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Admissions Profile
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA. It serves roughly 41,417 students with a student-faculty ratio near 15:1. Recent admissions cycles report an acceptance rate around 54%. Estimated in-state tuition is $19,835 ($38,651 for out-of-state). Graduates report median earnings near $50,800.
Are you ready for the future? The Penn State story is where tradition meets 21st century innovation. Where studying hard and making the most of opportunities never go out of style. As a top 1 percent university in the world, Penn State measures student success by going from the "ah" of understanding to the "aha" of discovery. It is why Penn State invested $30 million to nurture business start-ups from student ideas and faculty research. It is why new majors are launched to meet the demands of a changing world. It is why Penn State is at the forefront in solutions that address problems facing the planet. Become a part of the Penn State family!
Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- First-year retention: 92%
- Graduation rate: 86%
Costs & Financial Aid
- In-state tuition: $19,835
- Out-of-state tuition: $38,651
- Average net price: $39,160
- Pell grant recipients: 14%
Academic Highlights
- Popular program: Engineering
- Popular program: Research
- Popular program: Science
- Popular program: Technology
- Popular program: Liberal Arts
- Popular program: Business
- Popular program: Education
- Popular program: Nursing
- Popular program: Communication
- Popular program: Music
- Popular program: Art & Design
- Popular program: Economics
Student Experience
- Campus life: Athletics
- Campus life: Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Campus life: Disability Services
- Campus life: Greek Life
- Campus life: Intramural/Club Sports
- Campus life: LGBTQIA Services
- Campus life: Military/Veteran Services
- Campus life: On-Campus Housing
- Campus life: ROTC Program
- Campus life: Study Abroad
- Campus life: Undergraduate Research
- Campus life: Veteran Fee Waiver
Upcoming Admissions Events
- Campus Tour: April 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM (On-campus) — campus tour
- 9:30 AM Undergraduate Admissions Information Session & Campus Tour: April 7, 2026 at 9:30 AM (On-campus) — campus tour
- Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus Visit: April 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM (On-campus) — campus tour
- Campus Tour: April 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM (On-campus) — campus tour
Career Outcomes
Median graduate earnings reach $50,800, underscoring the return on investment for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus students.
Admissions & Testing
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- Test midpoints: 1,308 SAT / — ACT
- Test policy: Test-optional
- First-year retention: 92%
- Graduation rate: 86%
Student Profile
- Student-faculty ratio: 15:1
- Gender mix: 0% female / 1% male