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Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus (Penn State)

  • 201 Old Main
  • University Park, PA 16802
  • OPEID College Code: 00332900
  •  
  •  
  • General Phone: (814) 865-4700
  • President: Dr. Graham B. Spanier
  • Website: www.psu.edu
  • Type: Public, 4-Year or Above
  • Calendar System: Semester
  • Highest Degree: Doctoral and First-Professional Degree
  • Local Area: Small City
  • Student Enrollment: 43,252
  • College Alias: Penn State
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Basic Information

Pennsylvania State University is located in University Park. It is a state-related, space grant, land grant public research facility. Also known as Penn State, the school has twenty-four campuses in Pennsylvania. University Park is the main and largest campus.

 

History

 

On February 22, 1855, Pennsylvania State University was established as the Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania. The name was changed to Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862. In 1863, with the passing of the Morrill Land Grant Act, the school was chosen to be Pennsylvania's only land grand college. Within the next few years, enrolment fell because students were only able to acquire and agricultural education. In 1882, when George Atherton became president, the curriculum was broadened. Engineering studies were then offered. Penn State became one of the ten largest engineering schools in the US.

 

By the early 20th century, Penn State had grown considerably. In 1936, satellite campuses were established by President Don Hetzel in order to allow students of the Depression era to attend college. Since these students were needed to work at home during that time, without the satellite colleges, they wouldn't have been able to further their education.

 

School President Milton S. Eisenhower changed the name of the college to Pennsylvania State College in 1953 and the institution became state-related in 1970.

 

Campuses

 

The University Park campus has 13 distinct colleges. They are:

 

  • College of Health and Human Development
  • College of Arts and Architecture
  • College of Agricultural Studies
  • College of Communications
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Information Science and Technology
  • Penn State Dickinson School of Law
  • Smeal College of Business
  • Schreyer Honors College
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Education
  • Eberly College of Science
  • College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

 

Academics

 

Since 1945, the Applied Research Lab has partnered with the United States Department of Defense. Research is primarily in support of the US Navy.

 

The library system of Pennsylvania State University began with 1500 book. Today it houses 500,000 maps, 5.2 million books, 180,000 films and videos and 5 million microforms.

 

Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus also hosts a Radiation Science and Engineering Center.

 

Student Life

 

Pennsylvania State University has one of the largest Greek communities in the US. In 1888, the Penn State Glee Club was founded. It is the oldest student organization on campus. Each year the Glee Club takes a spring break tour, which has taken them to a multitude of destination world-wide.

 

The Penn State Paranormal Research Society has earned an abundance of media attention in recent years. The A&E Network is working with the university to develop a reality series. Some filming will be done on campus.

 

Each year in February, students take place in the Penn State Dance Marathon. Millions of dollars are raised annually for pediatric cancer care and research.

 

Media

 

Penn State's student newspaper is The Daily Collegian. Since 1996, an online version called The Digital Collegean has appeared online.

 

Radio station WKPS-FM was founded in 1995.  It broadcasts from the ground floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. It serves the State College and Penn State communities.

 

Athletics

 

At one time a type of mountain lion roamed the University Park area. The Penn State mascot is the Nitany Lion. Some Penn State teams include:

 

  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Lacrosse
  • Fencing
  • Women's rugby
  • Boxing
  • Gymnastics

 

Community Life

 

There is much to see and do in the University Park area. Take in the Arboretum at Penn State, which is also known as H.O. Smith Botanical Gardens.

 

Visit Penn State University creamery, also known as Berkey Creamery. Enjoy an ice cream or sherbet or purchase delicious cheese, all produced by the Department of Food and Science.

 

Take in a football game at Beaver Stadium or enjoy a basketball game at Bryce Jordan Center. Whatever you chose, there is a wide variety of attractions and events in the University Park area. Be sure to check for dates and times.

(+) Show Full Description
 
    Student Services
  • Remedial Services Offered
  • Academic or Career Counseling Services Offered
  • Employment Services Offered
  • Placement Services For Graduates Offered
  • On-Campus Day Care Available
    Special Learning Opportunities
  • Distance Learning Opportunities
  • Study Abroad Opportunities
  • Weekend / Evening Classes Available
  • Teaching K-12 Certification Offered
  • State Approved for Certification
  • ROTC
  • Army Navy Air Force
    Facilities and Programs Offered
  • Library Available - Library Profile
  • Hospital Services Available
    College Carnegie Classifications
  • Basic Classification
  • Research Universities (Very High Research Activity)
  • Undergraduate Classification
  • Professions Plus Arts & Sciences, High Graduate Coexistence
  • Graduate Classification
  • Comprehensive Doctoral (No Medical/Veterinary)
  • Undergraduate Profile Classification
  • Full-Time Four-Year, More Selective, Lower Transfer-In
  • Enrollment Classification
  • High Undergraduate
  • Size Classification
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential
 
 
    Admission Fees Fall 2006
  • Undergraduate Application Fee: $50.00
  • Graduate Application Fee: $45.00
  • Professional Degree Application Fee: $60.00
 
    College Credits Accepted
  • Dual Credit
  • Life Experience Credit
  • AP Credit
    Applicant Considerations
  • High School or Secondary School GPA
  • Required
  • High School or Secondary School Rank
  • Recommended
  • High School or Secondary School Record
  • Required
  • College Preparatory Program Completion
  • Recommended
  • Admission Test Scores (SAT ®,ACT ®,...)
  • Required
  • TOEFL
  • Required
 
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2006
 MaleFemaleTotal
Number of Applicants18,31316,50034,813
Number Granted Admission (%)10,154 (55%)10,027 (61%)20,181 (58%)
Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%)4,241 (42%)3,798 (38%)8,039 (40%)
 
Enrolled Students Submitting Test Scores Fall 2006
 NumberPercent (%)
SAT ® Exam7,21690%
ACT ® Exam6538%
 
Enrolled Students Test Scores Fall 2006
 25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT ® Critical Reading520620
SAT ® Math560660
SAT ® Writing--
 
ACT ® Composite2328
ACT ® English2329
ACT ® Math2329
 
Financial Aid Breakdown 2006-07
 LoanFederal GrantState/Local GrantInstitutional Grant
(%) of Students Receiving62%14%19%29%
Avg Amount Receiving$4,729$4,314$3,377$5,206
 
Federal Loan Default Rates
 200620052004
Default Rate (%)2.0%2.1%2.9%
Number in Default485473454
Number in Repayment23,71021,69115,605
Undergraduate Student Expenses
2007-082006-072005-06
Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses
In-State Tuition and Fees$12,844$12,164$11,508
Out of State Tuition and Fees$23,712$22,712$21,744
Books and Supplies$1,168$1,088$1,040
 
Housing Expenses
On Campus
Room and Board$7,740$7,416$7,092
Other Expenses$3,456$2,574$2,394
 
Total Expenses
On Campus
In-State$25,208$23,242$22,034
Out of State$36,076$33,790$32,270
Off Campus
In-State$14,012$13,252$12,548
Out of State$24,880$23,800$22,784
Off Campus with Family
In-State$14,012$13,252$12,548
Out of State$24,880$23,800$22,784
 
Graduate Student Expenses
 In-StateOut of State
Total Tuition and Fees
Law School$29,810$29,810
Awarded Student Degrees and Programs
 CertificateAssociateBachelorMasterDoctor
Agriculture Operations
Agricultural and Extension Education Services--2062
Agricultural Business and Management, Other-7---
Agricultural Economics---67
Agricultural Mechanization--16--
Agriculture--13--
Agronomy and Crop Science--321
Animal Sciences--8151
Animal Sciences, Other--35--
Food Science--1869
Horticultural Science--1611
Landscaping and Groundskeeping--40--
Plant Sciences, Other----3
Soil Science and Agronomy--634
Turf and Turfgrass Management25-41--
Agricultural Business Operations--32--
 
Architecture
Architecture--484-
Landscape Architecture--337-
 
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Animal Physiology---32
Biochemistry--51516
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other--120613
Biology, Biological Sciences--18928
Biotechnology---10-
Ecology---36
Entomology---12
Genetics---12
Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology--29--
Pathology, Experimental Pathology---14
Plant Pathology, Phytopathology---14
Plant Physiology---12
Toxicology--6--
 
Business and Marketing Studies
Accounting--305--
Actuarial Science--38--
Business Administration and Management---16216
Business Economics--127--
Business, Commerce-9---
Finance--325--
Hospitality Administration and Management4----
Hospitality Administration and Management, Other-220513
Labor and Industrial Relations--7314-
Logistics and Materials Management--1--
Management Information Systems--51--
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other--1--
Marketing and Marketing Management--288--
Organizational Behavior Studies--164--
 
Communications and Journalism
Advertising--269--
Communication Studies--1751114
Communication, Journalism and Related Programs, Other--1183-
Journalism--301--
Media Studies----10
 
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences--68--
Computer Science---1918
Information Science Studies--41849
 
Education
Adult and Continuing Education---326
Adult and Continuing Education Administration--41313
Art Teacher Education--3042
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services---9-
Counseling and Guidance Services---235
Curriculum and Instruction---6422
Educational Evaluation and Research---1-
Educational Leadership and Administration---208
Educational and Instructional Media Design---714
Elementary Education--295--
Foreign Language Teacher Education--12--
Higher Education Administration---510
Music Teacher Education--282-
Secondary Education--163--
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education----8
Special Education and Teaching--30131
Teaching English As Second Language Instructor---9-
 
Engineering
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering4-98226
Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering--2247
Architectural Engineering--78574
Biomedical and Medical Engineering--3625
Chemical Engineering1-113310
Civil Engineering2-1772011
Computer Engineering--62--
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering--1834520
Engineering6----
Engineering Mechanics81--5-
Engineering Science--2312-
Engineering, Other----7
Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering--23193
Industrial Engineering--1241518
Materials Engineering---36
Materials Science--241019
Mechanical Engineering--2664021
Mining and Mineral Engineering--52-
Nuclear Engineering--36142
Petroleum Engineering--1344
Surveying Engineering--6--
 
Engineering Technology
Environmental Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology---3-
Mechanical Engineering and Technology-1---
 
English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature--1992813
Technical and Business Writing8----
 
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
African Studies4----
African-American Studies12-7--
American Civilization, United States Studies--11--
East Asian Studies--10--
Latin American Studies1-3--
Near and Middle Eastern Studies20----
Womens Studies36-12--
 
Family and Consumer Sciences
Human Development and Family Studies-41891010
Human Nutrition--8827
 
Foreign Languages and Literature
Chinese Language and Literature19----
Comparative Literature5-1675
French Language and Literature--2944
German Language and Literature--2414
Italian Language and Literature--7--
Japanese Language and Literature23-12--
Linguistics----2
Russian Language and Literature--31-
Spanish Language and Literature196-6885
Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics--16--
 
Health and Clinical Professions
Communication Disorders--65161
Dietitian Assistant-10---
Health, Health Care Administration and Management--88145
Nursing--237102
Nursing, Other23----
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Medical Studies--32--
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other--36--
 
History
History--16367
 
Interdisciplinary Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences--172--
Medieval and Renaissance Studies--4--
Science, Technology and Society3----
 
Legal Professions and Studies
Law----18
Legal Studies--1--
Programs for Foreign Lawyers---4-
 
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies-3825--
 
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics--96106
Statistics--12178
 
Natural Resources and Conservation
Forest Sciences and Biology--23--
Forest Technology--5--
Forestry---133
Natural Resources and Conservation, Other--2742
Natural Resources, Conservation--23--
 
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Jewish Studies--3--
Philosophy--6157
Religious Studies--19--
 
Physical Sciences
Acoustics---225
Astronomy--10-1
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology--76163
Chemistry--35835
Geological and Earth Sciences, Geosciences, Other--13--
Geology, Earth Science--251613
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical5----
Physical Sciences, Other---41
Physics--35719
 
Psychology
Counseling Psychology1---6
Educational Psychology---23
Psychology--4921722
School Psychology---85
 
Public Administration and Social Services
Community Organization and Advocacy---5-
 
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Kinesiology and Exercise Science--23478
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management--122--
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies---14
 
Science Technology
Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician--29--
 
Security and Protective Services
Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Administration--263--
Criminal Justice, Safety Studies---31
Forensic Science and Technology--1--
 
Social Sciences
Anthropology--37-6
Applied Economics--211
Archeology--7--
Economics--159-8
Geography--54158
International Relations and Affairs--121--
Political Science and Government--15253
Social Sciences, Other---24
Sociology--6038
 
Visual and Performing Arts
Acting--31--
Art History, Criticism and Conservation--2092
Art and Art Studies--885-
Conducting---2-
Drama and Theatre Arts---13-
Film Studies--71--
Graphic Design--23--
Music--16--
Music History, Literature, and Theory---2-
Music Performance--115-
Music Theory and Composition---4-
Musicology and Ethnomusicology---3-
Piano and Organ---1-
Technical Theatre, Design and Technology--20--
Visual and Performing Arts--46--
Voice and Opera---5-
 
 
Additional Information
    Overall Student Enrollment
  • Total Student Enrollment: 43,252
  • Undergraduate: 36,815 Graduate: 6,233 Professional: 204
    Student Gender
  • Total Student Gender
  • Male: 23,921 Female: 19,331
  • Undergraduate Gender
  • Male: 20,295 Female: 16,520
  • Graduate Gender
  • Male: 3,500 Female: 2,733
  • Professional Gender
  • Male: 126 Female: 78
    Student Attendance
  • Total Student Attendance
  • Full-Time: 40,906 Part-Time: 2,346
  • Undergraduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 35,447 Part-Time: 1,368
  • Graduate Attendance
  • Full-Time: 5,278 Part-Time: 955
  • Professional Attendance
  • Full-Time: 181 Part-Time: 23
Student Race Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Non-Resident Alien3,2758%
American Indian540.1%
Black1,6854%
Asian2,2045%
Hispanic1,4543%
White34,58080%
Unknown--
 
Student Age Breakdown
 NumberPercent
Age Under 183230.7%
Ages 18-1913,46331%
Ages 20-2116,88839%
Ages 22-246,60615%
Ages 25-293,1627%
Ages 30-341,2833%
Ages 35-395991%
Ages 40-495671%
Ages 50-652950.7%
Age Over 65230.05%
Age Uknown430.1%
Employee Type Breakdown
 TotalFull-TimePart-Time
Total Employees15,40211,9133,489
Faculty Status3,4353,071364
Tenured Faculty1,3241,324-
Graduate Assistants4,541-4,541
Instruction, Research and/or Public Service3,4353,071364
Primarily Instruction2,5802,273307
Primarily Research63860038
Primarily Public Service14012317
Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial794794-
Other Professionals5,1483,8171,331
Technical and/or Paraprofessional6,0254,2311,794
Clerical And Secretarial2,8281,6181,210
Skilled Crafts68759493
Service and/or Maintenance1,8201,348472
 
Faculty Full-Time Average Salary Breakdown
 TotalMaleFemale
9/10 Month Contract
All Faculty$86,759 (1,964)$96,373 (1,250)$69,926 (714)
Professor$123,053 (693)$125,599 (565)$111,816 (128)
Associate Professor$84,933 (464)$86,671 (299)$81,783 (165)
Assistant Professor$68,936 (422)$71,424 (219)$66,251 (203)
Instructor$44,322 (132)$48,428 (45)$42,199 (87)
Lecturer$42,560 (253)$47,272 (122)$38,172 (131)
 
11/12 Month Contract
All Faculty$66,083 (365)$70,982 (205)$59,804 (160)
Professor$115,800 (32)$124,320 (21)$99,536 (11)
Associate Professor$73,137 (57)$74,512 (31)$71,498 (26)
Assistant Professor$62,643 (99)$66,115 (56)$58,121 (43)
Instructor$53,627 (104)$59,446 (49)$48,443 (55)
Lecturer$61,189 (73)$62,823 (48)$58,052 (25)
 
Equated 9 Month Contract
All Faculty$81,635 (2,329)$90,978 (1,455)$66,083 (874)
Professor$121,804 (725)$124,743 (586)$109,412 (139)
Associate Professor$82,188 (521)$84,256 (330)$78,614 (191)
Assistant Professor$65,576 (521)$67,896 (275)$62,983 (246)
Instructor$44,126 (236)$48,538 (94)$41,206 (142)
Lecturer$44,241 (326)$48,438 (170)$39,667 (156)
Overall Athletic Team Information
  • Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
 TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
Athlete Student Aid
Total Aid$10,596,768$6,613,248$3,983,520
Ratio (%)100%62%38%
 
Participants
All Athletes821471350
Unduplicated Athletes702426276
Baseball3232-
Basketball291712
Track and Field and Cross Country (Combined)21889129
Fencing432122
Field Hocky24-24
Football111111-
Golf251213
Gymnastics301713
Lacrosse693930
Soccer512427
Softball21-21
Swimming and Diving (Combined)744133
Tennis231310
Volleyball341816
Wrestling3737-
 
Coaches Salaries
Head Coaches-$123,327$90,585
Assistant Coaches-$81,974$45,841
 
Coaches
All Coaches1056342
Baseball44-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches33-
Basketball844
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches633
Track and Field and Cross Country (Combined)16106
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches1495
Fencing1064
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches853
Field Hocky3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
Football1010-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches99-
Golf532
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches321
Gymnastics633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Lacrosse743
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches532
Soccer633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Softball3-3
Head Coaches1-1
Assistant Coaches2-2
Swimming and Diving (Combined)1376
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches1165
Tennis422
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches211
Volleyball633
Head Coaches211
Assistant Coaches422
Wrestling44-
Head Coaches11-
Assistant Coaches33-
    Retention Rates
  • Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 94%
  • Part-Time Entering Students Retained: 60%
Graduation Rates
 (%) of Entering Class
Overall
All Students84%
 
By Gender
Male82%
Female87%
 
By Race
Non-Resident Alien75%
American Indian71%
Black66%
Asian80%
Hispanic75%
White86%
 
By Years Prior to Graduation
4 Years or Less58%
5 Years81%
6 Years84%
Crime Statistics
 2006-072005-06
Arrests
On Campus
Weapons Related1-
Drug Related176204
Liquor Related762552
Residence Hall
Drug Related117166
Liquor Related184486
 
Criminal Offenses
On Campus
Forcible Rape86
Robbery34
Aggravated Assault32
Burglary11243
Vehicle Theft43
Arson72
Residence Hall
Forcible Rape65
Robbery-2
Burglary7324
Arson52
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at Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus
Source: IPEDS Survey 2007-2008