Pennsylvania State University-University Park
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Pennsylvania State University, University Park: Rankings, Cost, Programs

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#41 in USA

#22 in MS in USA

  • Institute Icon7343 acre campus
  • Estd. 1855
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 3 Feb '25, by Akanksha Malhotra (Study Abroad Expert)

Penn State University
What’s new?

Penn State University MBAN application deadline is Apr 1, 2025, for Round 4

About Penn State University

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Year of establishment
1855
Also known as
Penn State
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
7271
Campus size
7343 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 1 billion
Scholarships granted
22591
Scholarship amount granted
USD 261 million
Application fees
USD 75
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
5281
Faculty/Student ratio
15
Male/Female ratio
0.87
Total criminal offences
1529
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How difficult is it to get into Penn State at University Park?

A: 

According to unofficial sources, Penn State University acceptance rate is around 54%. After considering the acceptance rate, it can be said that the university is moderately selective at the time of admissions. Hence, to get into Penn State, the applicants are required to have a good academic record. The general admissions requirements at Penn State are having the secondary school qualification. On the other hand, for admissions to graduate courses, Indian students must have a bachelor’s degree.

Q:   Is Penn State good for international students?

A: 

Penn State University is located around 24 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The main campus of the university is located in State College centrally located in the middle of the state. The university is top ranked as a top world university as per the Center for World University Rankings and in the Top 15 institutions hosting international students. Also, as per the facts of 2023, Penn State welcomed more than 1,800 Indian students.

Q:   Does Penn State require IELTS?

A: 

International students seeking admission to Pennsylvania State University, University Park need to have English language proficiency. For the same purpose, the university accepts the ELP test scores of IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (as applicable). The scores required in the ELP tests are given below:

Tests

UG ELP Scores

PG ELP Scores

Duolingo

120

-

TOEFL

80 on iBT

80 with 19 on the Speaking section

IELTS

6.5

6.5

Q:   How much does Penn State cost for international students?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (53 courses)

INR 20 L - 38 L

MBA/PGDM (1 course)

INR 40 L

BE / BTech (27 courses)

INR 29 L - 33 L

BSc (32 courses)

INR 32 L

BA (40 courses)

INR 32 L

MIM (16 courses)

INR 33 L - 37 L

BBA (17 courses)

INR 32 L

MA (23 courses)

INR 26 L - 34 L

BBA7 (7 courses)

INR 33 L - 34 L

Others PG (13 courses)

INR 33 L - 34 L

M.Agri. (6 courses)

INR 33 L

BJMC (6 courses)

INR 32 L

Cost of Living: Given below is estimated 2023-24 Penn State cost of attendance for an academic year for undergraduate students:

  • Room and meals for UG students: USD 12,984

Graduate Students Living Expenses for 12 months

  • Living Expenses: USD 23,300 (Includes around USD 1,800 for books and supplies)
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: USD 3,700

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA 

Q:   How much scholarship does Penn State give to international students?

A: 

Penn State University has authorized two scholarship funds which provide tuition grants to international students; Special International Grant-in-Aid (SIGIA) and the Penn State Tuition Assistance Grant (PSTAG). Note that these funds are administered through the Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA) for global programs. Generally, these grants range from USD 100 – USD 2,000.

  • The application form for these grants can be obtained from iStart
  • SIGIA is available for both international undergraduate and graduate students but PSTAG is only available to international undergraduates
  • Grants are awarded on the basis of quality of academic work, severity of financial need, and the academic advisor’s endorsement. Students in their first year at Pennsylvania State University or those who are below standard GPA (minimum of 3.0 GPA for graduate students and 2.0 for undergraduate students) shall not be considered

Also Check: Scholarships to Study in USA

Penn State University Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Are there any assistantships available to Penn State University graduate students?

A: 

Yes, international students at Penn State University are eligible for a number of assistantships, fellowships, and grants. The most common of these are Graduate assistantships, which provide full tuition, 80% of health insurance premiums and living stipend in return for service. To get these assistantships, graduate applicants should indicate the same at the time of completion of the admission application.

Q:   Does Penn State University give full scholarships to international students?

A: 

Penn State University offers a few tuition grants to undergraduate and graduate international students. The range of these grants ranges from USD 100 – USD 2,000. The grants that are offered are The Special International Grant-In-Aid (SIGIA) and the Penn State Tuition Assistance Grant (PSTAG). SIGIA is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. PSTAG, on the other hand, is available to undergraduates.

Penn State University Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :USD 65 - 85
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   When should I expect to hear back from Penn State?

A: 

For Early Action applicants, Penn State University – University Park releases admission decisions by End of December 2024. For Priority admission, the admission decision will be made by Apr 1, 2025. Offers of admission to this university can be accepted through the accepted students’ MyPennState portal. International students admitted to the university must take additional steps to enroll to the university such as having resources for carrying out the expenses. Then, apply for the student visa. 

Once students have received an offer of admission from Penn State University and paid the acceptance fees, the International Students and Scholar Advising (ISSA) will start a file for the issuing the visa eligibility document. Then, further steps for admission are informed. 

Q:   Does Penn State MBA require GMAT?

A: 

For one year Penn State MBA, GMAT score is not required. This is a STEM-designated program. Other The Pennsylvania State University – University Park admission requirements for MBA course are given below:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • TOEFL score of 80 / IELTS with a score of 7.0
  • Academic transcripts

Also Read: A Complete Guide on MBA in USA for International Student

Q:   What is the eligibility for Penn State?

A: 

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park general admission requirements are given below:

  • Undergraduate: Secondary school academic records or post-secondary record (if any)
  • Graduate: All degree certificates

Also, besides the academic records, the applicants are required to submit the English language proficiency score.

Q:   What is the deadline to apply to Penn State?

A: 

General Pennsylvania State University application deadlines for UG applicants are given below:

Term

Early Action Deadline

Priority Filing

Fall

Nov 1, 2024

Feb 1, 2025

Summer

Nov 1, 2024

Feb 1, 2025

Note that the Graduate School of Penn State University does not have a deadline for processing applicants. However, international applicants must submit materials at least 4 months before beginning the semester to which they are applying

Q:   How to apply to Pennsylvania State University, University Park?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park applicants seeking admission to UG courses can apply through either the University Portal or Common App. Whereas, the graduate applicants can apply through the university portal. Given below are the steps to apply to Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

Application Steps for UG Courses

  • First of all, choose the application method
  • Then, access the application and review the important application dates
  • Start Penn State application and enter the required details
  • Next, submit the application by paying USD 75 application fee
  • Then, submit all the required materials such as academic records, official test scores (as applicable), English language proficiency score, etc.
  • Next, check the application status
  • Lastly, receive the admission decision

Also Read: College / University Application Process for USA

Penn State University Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(69 courses)
INR 21 L - 41 L
Duration12 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 100, GRE
B.E. / B.Tech(27 courses)
INR 35 L - 36 L
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above
MBA/PGDM(17 courses)
INR 34 L - 45 L
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
B.Sc.(32 courses)
INR 35 L - 36 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
B.A.(40 courses)
INR 35 L - 36 L
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
BBA(17 courses)
INR 35 L - 36 L
Duration2-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
M.A.(23 courses)
INR 27 L - 41 L
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 & Above, GRE
MEng(7 courses)
INR 34 L - 41 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
Others PG(13 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
Duration18-24 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
M.Arch(7 courses)
INR 34 L - 41 L
Duration18 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Is Penn State University expensive for Indian students?

A: 

Penn State University fees for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MS (69 courses)
INR 20 L - 39 L
MBA/PGDM (17 courses)
INR 33 L - 43 L
BE / BTech (27 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BSc (32 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BA (40 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
BBA (17 courses)
INR 34 L - 35 L
MA (23 courses)
INR 26 L - 39 L
Others PG (13 courses)
INR 33 L - 34 L
MEng (7 courses)
INR 33 L - 39 L
M.Arch (7 courses)
INR 33 L - 39 L

Cost of Living: The estimated cost of living Penn State UG international students for 2024-25 is USD 14,474 (Around INR 12.4 lakh). 

Q:   How much does it cost to go to Penn State University for 4 years?

A: 

For the 2024-25 academic year at Penn State University, University Park an estimate is given below for international undergraduate students. Students can expect their fees to be around the amount given below for the rest of the 3 years:

Particulars

Expenses

Tuition and fees

USD 43,290 (Around INR 37.2 L)

Room and meals

USD 14,474 (Around INR 12,4 L)

Q:   What is the fee for an MBA at Pennsylvania State University?

A: 

For the out-of-state residents, Pennsylvania State University one-year MBA tuition fee is $51,596 (Around INR 43 L) for the academic year 2024-25. Other fees that have to be paid by the students are:

  • Fees: $530 (Around INR 45k)
  • Pre-Term and Orientation Fee: $500 (Around INR 43k)
  • Global Immersion Estimated costs: $2,350 (Around INR 2L)

 

Q:   What are the entry requirements for Penn State University MSc in Human Resources and Employment Relations?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University MSc in Human Resources and Employment Relations admission requirements are given below:

  • GRE / GMAT scores
  • 2-3 page essay showing career and educational goals
  • Writing sample
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Applicants with 3.0 GPA will be considered for admission

Q:   How much is the Penn State application fee for international students?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University, University Park application fee for undergraduate students is USD 75 for international students. For graduate students, the following is the application fee:

  • For degree programs and post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificate programs (For Spring, Summer, or Fall 2024 admission): USD 65
  • For degree programs and post-baccalaureate and graduate credit certificate programs (For Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025 admissions or later): USD 85
  • Non-degree admission: USD 30

Along with the application fee, the documents that have to be submitted along with Pennsylvania State University, University Park application are:

  • Official mark sheets
  • Transcripts and degree certificates with date awarded
  • English language proficiency score

Penn State University Job Outcomes

Top Recruiters

Google
Osmosys
IBM
Apple
Pepsi
Microsoft
Barclays Bank
Yahoo
Johnson Johnson
Target
Colgate Palmolive
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   Is Penn State good for job opportunities?

A: 

According to a new report published by Penn State University, the university is ranked at No. 21 among all large US employers – for new college graduates entering the workforce according to Forbes magazine’s recently released 2023 America’s Best Employers for New Grads Survey. Furthermore, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Penn State is the ninth the largest employer in the state.

Q:   What is the job placement rate for PSU students?

A: 

Penn State University placement rate is 95% as of 3 months after graduation. 92% of students accepted a position as of 3 months after graduation. The median base salary is USD 120,500 and the median signing bonus is USD 23,500. A few of the industries where MBA graduates work are Technology, Consulting, Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, etc.

Q:   What are the career paths after pursuing Penn State BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology course?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University BS in Pharmacology and Toxicology course can get the opportunities in the research positions in Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical firms, Government or International Health and Environmental Agencies, and Academic Research Laboratories. Also, career possibilities can be found in the below-given industries:

  • Biomedical Industry
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Government Laboratories
  • Private Research Organizations

Q:   Can you work part-time as a Penn State student?

A: 

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying at Penn State University. They can work on-campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the semester. Students may work on-campus full (more than 20 hours per week) during summer if they were registered for Spring or plan to be registered in Fall. Note that students can work full-time during the winter break only if they are enrolled for the Fall and will be enrolled for the upcoming Spring semester.







Penn State University Rankings 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   What is Penn State University ranked in the world?

A: 

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park ranks at #89 position in 2025 as per world-ranking publisher. The university’s position has significantly improved in the QS rankings if compared with the previous years. In 2024, it ranked at #83. According to another-ranking publisher, Penn State University ranks at #100 position in 2025. Again, in THE rankings too, the university position has improved from 2024, where it was then placed at #122 position.

Pennsylvania State University Vs UPenn

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Compare Penn State University with other similar colleges

MS
B.E. / B.Tech
MBA/PGDM
B.Sc.
B.A.
BBA
M.A.
MEng
Others PG
M.Arch
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

Penn State University

INR 21.03 L - 40.53 LA#63 US News, 2025

University of Delaware

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INR 11.31 L - 45.41 LA#86 US News, 2025
INR 9.28 L - 56.52 LA+#54 US News, 2025

University of Rochester

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INR 20.79 L - 72.33 LA#44 US News, 2025

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

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INR 13.39 L - 38.29 LA#41 US News, 2025

Michigan State University

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INR 22.74 L - 64.2 LA#63 US News, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Commonly asked questions
On Comparisons

Q:   Which is more prestigious, Penn State or University of Pennsylvania?

A: 

UPenn is quite competitive as its acceptance rate is around 7%, whereas, Penn State University acceptance rate is around 55%. The final decision to take admission to a certain university depends on various parameters such as course availability, location, tuition fee, etc. The highlights of both these universities are given below: 

ParametersPenn State UniversityUPenn
Ranking#89 (QS World University Ranking 2025)#11 (QS World University Ranking 2025)
No. of UG programs275+90
Most popular majorsEngineering; Psychology; Social SciencesSocial Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs

Penn State University
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

80%

Hispanic

8%

Asian

7%

Black

4%

UG Student residence

In state

50%

Out of state

39%

Foreign

9%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

98%

25 and over

1%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

85784
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.83
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

41743
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

8283

Penn State University
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
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963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
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20 hours per week
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12 months
Country stats
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Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
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2%
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English
Weather
February
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-44
New York-25
Chicago-42
Los Angeles1021
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Penn State University Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Which famous alumni are from Penn State?

A: 

Some of the famous personalities names who have studied at Penn State University are listed below:

  • Ty Burrell: Actor, Popularly known for his role of Phil Dunphy in Sitcome Modern Family
  • Mark Parker: Businessman
  • Adam McKay: Filmmaker
  • John Aniston: Actor
  • Keegan-Michael Key: Actor
  • Jonathan Frakes: Actor and Director

Penn State University Campus Life

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Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 2

Q:   How many student organizations does Pennsylvania State University have?

A: 

There are over 1,000 student organizations at Penn State University. The categories of the student organizations are:

  • Business & Management
  • Agriculture & Environment
  • Content Creation & Media
  • Culture & Community
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Healthcare Professions
  • Humanities

Q:   Where is Penn State located?

A: 

Penn State University is located in Northwestern Pennsylvania. There are 24 campuses of this university. The University Park campus is considered to be the largest and main campus of this university. It offers academics, activities, and recreation in the Classic college town of State College. There are 1000+ student organizations at the university. Furthermore, students can engage in club teams, intramural sports, or fitness facilities, etc. while studying here.

Penn State University FAQs

Q:   What are the entry requirements for Penn State Master's in Business Analytics course?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University Master’s in Business Analytics course entry requirements are given below:

  • Resume
  • Academic transcripts (a bachelor’s degree / master’s degree)
  • Reference contacts: LOR for this course is not required
  • Application fee
  • English language proficiency score

Q:   Which city is Penn State in?

A: 

Penn State University Park is situated in the small city of State College, a quintessential town that has small eateries and quirky shops that line the street marking the border between Downtown and campus. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 7,000 international undergraduate students call Penn State University their home. Each year, the university sees an increase in the number of applications from international applicants. The university enrolls thousands of international students from over 130 different countries.

Q:   Is Pennsylvania State University a top tier university?

A: 

Pennsylvania State University rose to 20th among US public universities and placed #42 in the national overall in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. The university is placed in the Top 6% globally in a top-ranking publisher’s rankings. Furthermore, the university has one of the nation’s most comprehensive and successful athletic programs, featuring 29 programs and participates in the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I level for most sports. Also, the university ranks in the Top 10% worldwide in employer reputation and employment outcomes in 2024 as per a top-ranking publisher.

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Penn State University

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

Pennsylvania State University, University Park ranks at #63 in the National Universities category in 2025. In 2024, the university was placed at #60 position. Penn State is often ranked as a Top 30 research university. In the world rankings, this university ranks at #89 in 2025, according to a top-r

...Read more

H

Himanshi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the facts stated over the official website of Pennsylvania State University, there are nearly 88,000 students. At the university, students from 50 states and 150+ countries are studying at this university. There are 9,000+ international students at the university. The Open Doors 2024 An

...Read more

A

Anya Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Penn State University is Pennsylvania's the largest public university with nearly 88,000 students. More than 150 countries are represented by students at this university. It ranks among the top 6% of the world-class universities in 2025. It is also a Top 30 U.S. research university. To enjoy the cam

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78589944
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The duration of Masters in Business Analytics STEM at Penn State University is 1-year. This is a STEM-designated course, which is taught by experienced, world-class faculty. No GMAT is required to get into this course. The full-time per semester fee tuition for the MBAN course is USD 23,395 (Around

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Indian students choose to study at Pennsylvania State University. Today there are over 1,400 indian origin penn state students. Indian student often choose to study in the USA due to the country's prestigious educational institutions, diverse range of programs and other career opportunities.

The penn

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M

Muskan Yadav

Contributor-Level 7

About the author

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Akanksha Malhotra

Study Abroad Expert

Akanksha Malhotra is a Content Writer / Editor at Shiksha.com's Study Abroad vertical, creating content for University pages. She is a seasoned education writer with 5+ years of experience, including writing articles for all-India and state levels, r...Read Full Bio

Penn State University

Penn State University Others(1)Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Penn State University Others(2)Bryce Jordan Center
Penn State University Others(3)HUB-Robeson Center
Penn State University Others(1)
Penn State University Others(2)

Penn State University
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityState College, Pennsylvania, USA

Penn State University
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
University Park CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Visit official site External Link Icon

Penn State University
Contact Information

Address

University Park, State College, PA 16801, United States

State College ( Pennsylvania)

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