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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

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.
- 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
- Mission Statement
- Click To Read Mission Statement
- 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 Links
- Admissions: admissions.psu.edu
- Online Application: Apply Online
- 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
| Male | Female | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Applicants | 18,313 | 16,500 | 34,813 |
| 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%) |
| Number | Percent (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| SAT ® Exam | 7,216 | 90% |
| ACT ® Exam | 653 | 8% |
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|
| SAT ® Critical Reading | 520 | 620 |
| SAT ® Math | 560 | 660 |
| SAT ® Writing | - | - |
| ACT ® Composite | 23 | 28 |
| ACT ® English | 23 | 29 |
| ACT ® Math | 23 | 29 |
- Financial Aid Links and Information
- Website: Penn State Financial Aid Office
- FAFSA Student Aid: Apply Online
- Percent of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 75%
| Loan | Federal Grant | State/Local Grant | Institutional Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) of Students Receiving | 62% | 14% | 19% | 29% |
| Avg Amount Receiving | $4,729 | $4,314 | $3,377 | $5,206 |
| 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Rate (%) | 2.0% | 2.1% | 2.9% |
| Number in Default | 485 | 473 | 454 |
| Number in Repayment | 23,710 | 21,691 | 15,605 |
| 2007-08 | 2006-07 | 2005-06 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| In-State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition and Fees | ||
| Law School | $29,810 | $29,810 |
- 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
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Alien | 3,275 | 8% |
| American Indian | 54 | 0.1% |
| Black | 1,685 | 4% |
| Asian | 2,204 | 5% |
| Hispanic | 1,454 | 3% |
| White | 34,580 | 80% |
| Unknown | - | - |
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Age Under 18 | 323 | 0.7% |
| Ages 18-19 | 13,463 | 31% |
| Ages 20-21 | 16,888 | 39% |
| Ages 22-24 | 6,606 | 15% |
| Ages 25-29 | 3,162 | 7% |
| Ages 30-34 | 1,283 | 3% |
| Ages 35-39 | 599 | 1% |
| Ages 40-49 | 567 | 1% |
| Ages 50-65 | 295 | 0.7% |
| Age Over 65 | 23 | 0.05% |
| Age Uknown | 43 | 0.1% |
| Total | Full-Time | Part-Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employees | 15,402 | 11,913 | 3,489 |
| Faculty Status | 3,435 | 3,071 | 364 |
| Tenured Faculty | 1,324 | 1,324 | - |
| Graduate Assistants | 4,541 | - | 4,541 |
| Instruction, Research and/or Public Service | 3,435 | 3,071 | 364 |
| Primarily Instruction | 2,580 | 2,273 | 307 |
| Primarily Research | 638 | 600 | 38 |
| Primarily Public Service | 140 | 123 | 17 |
| Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial | 794 | 794 | - |
| Other Professionals | 5,148 | 3,817 | 1,331 |
| Technical and/or Paraprofessional | 6,025 | 4,231 | 1,794 |
| Clerical And Secretarial | 2,828 | 1,618 | 1,210 |
| Skilled Crafts | 687 | 594 | 93 |
| Service and/or Maintenance | 1,820 | 1,348 | 472 |
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
- Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
| Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete Student Aid | |||
| Total Aid | $10,596,768 | $6,613,248 | $3,983,520 |
| Ratio (%) | 100% | 62% | 38% |
| Participants | |||
| All Athletes | 821 | 471 | 350 |
| Unduplicated Athletes | 702 | 426 | 276 |
| Baseball | 32 | 32 | - |
| Basketball | 29 | 17 | 12 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (Combined) | 218 | 89 | 129 |
| Fencing | 43 | 21 | 22 |
| Field Hocky | 24 | - | 24 |
| Football | 111 | 111 | - |
| Golf | 25 | 12 | 13 |
| Gymnastics | 30 | 17 | 13 |
| Lacrosse | 69 | 39 | 30 |
| Soccer | 51 | 24 | 27 |
| Softball | 21 | - | 21 |
| Swimming and Diving (Combined) | 74 | 41 | 33 |
| Tennis | 23 | 13 | 10 |
| Volleyball | 34 | 18 | 16 |
| Wrestling | 37 | 37 | - |
| Coaches Salaries | |||
| Head Coaches | - | $123,327 | $90,585 |
| Assistant Coaches | - | $81,974 | $45,841 |
| Coaches | |||
| All Coaches | 105 | 63 | 42 |
| Baseball | 4 | 4 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 3 | - |
| Basketball | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (Combined) | 16 | 10 | 6 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Fencing | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Field Hocky | 3 | - | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 |
| Football | 10 | 10 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 9 | 9 | - |
| Golf | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Gymnastics | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Lacrosse | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Soccer | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Softball | 3 | - | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 |
| Swimming and Diving (Combined) | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 11 | 6 | 5 |
| Tennis | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Volleyball | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Wrestling | 4 | 4 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 3 | - |
- Retention Rates
- Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 94%
- Part-Time Entering Students Retained: 60%
| (%) of Entering Class | |
|---|---|
| Overall | |
| All Students | 84% |
| By Gender | |
| Male | 82% |
| Female | 87% |
| By Race | |
| Non-Resident Alien | 75% |
| American Indian | 71% |
| Black | 66% |
| Asian | 80% |
| Hispanic | 75% |
| White | 86% |
| By Years Prior to Graduation | |
| 4 Years or Less | 58% |
| 5 Years | 81% |
| 6 Years | 84% |
| 2006-07 | 2005-06 | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrests | ||
| On Campus | ||
| Weapons Related | 1 | - |
| Drug Related | 176 | 204 |
| Liquor Related | 762 | 552 |
| Residence Hall | ||
| Drug Related | 117 | 166 |
| Liquor Related | 184 | 486 |
| Criminal Offenses | ||
| On Campus | ||
| Forcible Rape | 8 | 6 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 |
| Burglary | 112 | 43 |
| Vehicle Theft | 4 | 3 |
| Arson | 7 | 2 |
| Residence Hall | ||
| Forcible Rape | 6 | 5 |
| Robbery | - | 2 |
| Burglary | 73 | 24 |
| Arson | 5 | 2 |
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