Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Campus Identity
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a large public university in University Park, PA. Approximately 42,284 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 61% acceptance rate. Raystown Lake is about 26 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 49/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a large public university in University Park, PA. Approximately 42,284 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 61% acceptance rate. Raystown Lake is about 26 miles from campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 49/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 6 miles from Tussey Mountain Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big Ten
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
43°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Tussey Mountain Ski Area, 6 miles away with 5 lifts and 38 skiable acres. All are within 58 miles of campus.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Nearby Lake
Raystown Lake is 26 miles from campus, giving Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Raystown Lake
Lake access within 26.1 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · University Park, PA
University Park has a cool climate, with winters averaging 27°F in Jan and summers peaking around 72°F in Jul.
Station: STATE COLLEGE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus in PA earns a composite safety score of 49/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $20,644 | $41,790 |
| Fees | $530 | $530 |
| Room & Board | $15,044 | $15,044 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $36,218 | $57,364 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
489 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus located?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA. The main campus address is 201 Old Main, University Park, PA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%, making it moderately selective. Out of 88,478 applicants, 53,579 were admitted in the most recent year. 42,284 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus scored between 27 and 32 on the ACT, with a median of 30. About 5% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus charges $20,644/year for in-state students and $41,790/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($15,044/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $36,476/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $32,875/year — what students actually pay. Use Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
The undergraduate application fee at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $65. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus have college sports?
Yes — Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big Ten. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus the right fit for me?
Whether Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (61% admit rate), avg net price ($32,875/year after aid), campus culture in University Park, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- University Park, PA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big Ten
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 43°F avg
- App Fee
- $65
- On Campus Safety Score
- 49/100
- Nearest Airport
- State College, PA (SCE) · 4 mialso AOO (42 mi), IPT (58 mi)
Location
University Park, PA