Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania Β· City: SmallOfficial Website β†—

#304
Nationally
#30
In Pennsylvania
54%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$19,672
In-State Tuition
per year
86%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
42,223
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
58/100
Good
#304 nationally
#30 in Pennsylvania
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes86
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity36
πŸ“šAcademic Environment24
πŸ”¬Program Breadth88

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public four-year university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. With 42,223 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 54%, the institution is considered moderately selective. In-state tuition is $19,672 per year ($39,626 out-of-state), significantly above average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 86%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate54%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
85,956
Applied
46,605
Admitted
9,040
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading610 – 690
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math610 – 710
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)27 – 32
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$19,672/yr
In-State Fees$562/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$39,626/yr
Room & Board$14,870/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$35,104/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$55,058/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$19,672↓ Below avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate86%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
42,223
Total Undergrads
47% F / 53% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 63%
Hispanic 9%
Black 5%
Asian 7%
Two or more 4%
International 10%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 86%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Strong academic profile: SAT Math 25th percentile is 610
  • βœ“Large campus with 42,223 students β€” wide range of programs, clubs, and networking opportunities
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($19,672/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Room and board costs ($14,870/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion, and students who thrive in a large, diverse campus setting with extensive facilities and programs.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
SettingCity: Small
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#30
in Pennsylvania out of 7+ colleges
#304
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.