The Pennsylvania State University
About The Pennsylvania State University
Penn State is a top-ranked public research university committed to providing a comprehensive education and fostering groundbreaking discoveries. With a rich history and a global presence, Penn State empowers students to become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.
location_city City, State & Campus Insights
Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around The Pennsylvania State University
groups 1. City Size & State Population
State College
11.6 sq km / 4.5 sq mi
42,102
13.0 Million
Density: 3,629 people per sq km / 9,399 per sq mi
thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)
attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby
Palmer Museum of Art
MuseumLocated on the Penn State campus, this museum features a diverse collection of American, European, contemporary, and Asian art, as well as works on paper and ceramics.
Arboretum at Penn State
Botanical Garden / ParkA beautiful public garden offering diverse plant collections, walking paths, and educational programs, providing a serene escape on the university's edge.
Beaver Stadium
Sports VenueHome to the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world by seating capacity, known for its electrifying game-day atmosphere.
Mount Nittany
Natural Landmark / Hiking TrailAn iconic local mountain offering popular hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding valley and the Penn State campus.
restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines
Berkey Creamery Ice Cream
Famous for its rich, fresh ice cream made on the Penn State campus using milk from the university's dairy cows, offering a wide variety of unique flavors.
Grilled Stickies
A beloved sticky bun, often grilled to perfection, found at Ye Olde College Diner (though the diner is closed, the tradition lives on through other local establishments).
Philly Cheesesteak
While not unique to State College, this iconic Pennsylvania sandwich of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a long roll is widely available and enjoyed.
diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition
State College, PA is a university town with a significant student population, which influences its racial and ethnic composition, making it more diverse than some other parts of rural Pennsylvania. The state of Pennsylvania as a whole is predominantly white, but urban and university areas show greater diversity.
workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures
Keegan-Michael Key
Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian, known for 'Key & Peele' and numerous film and television roles. Penn State alumnus (M.F.A. in Theater).
Guion S. Bluford Jr.
First African American to travel into space. Penn State alumnus (Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering).
James Franklin
Highly successful head coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, known for revitalizing the program.
directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around
State College's transportation is primarily centered around the university, with a robust local bus system and good pedestrian/cycling infrastructure. For regional and national travel, residents typically rely on nearby airports and intercity bus services.
Public Transit (Buses & Metro)
The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides extensive bus services throughout State College and surrounding townships, connecting campus, residential areas, and commercial centers. Fares are reasonable, and many routes are frequent, especially those serving the university.
Walking & Cycling
State College is very walkable and bike-friendly, especially around the university campus and downtown areas. There are numerous bike lanes, shared-use paths, and pedestrian-friendly streets. The city consistently ranks high for walkability and bikeability.
Regional Rail & Airport
The closest major airport is University Park Airport (SCE), offering regional flights. For broader national and international travel, residents often use Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) or Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), both a few hours' drive away. There is no direct regional rail service to State College; Amtrak stations are available in nearby cities like Lewistown or Harrisburg, requiring bus or car connections.
school 8. Education & Literacy Level
99% (Estimated for Pennsylvania)
57.8% (State College Borough, 25+ years)
State College boasts a highly educated populace, largely due to Penn State University. The borough significantly surpasses state and national averages for higher education attainment. Pennsylvania as a whole has a strong education system, with a high literacy rate and a good percentage of adults with bachelor's degrees or higher, particularly in metropolitan and university-dense areas.
trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries
The economy of State College is heavily dominated by The Pennsylvania State University, which serves as the primary employer and economic driver. Beyond the university, the local economy includes sectors supporting the student and faculty population, as well as some light manufacturing and technology firms.
Key Driving Industries
Major Corporate Employers
Popular Programs
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Admissions Info
Application Period
Main intake starts in September. Applications are typically accepted from October to January for the following academic year.
Fees & Living Costs
Tuition Fees / Year
$20,966.00 - $41,868.00
Living Expenses / Year
$12,000.00 - $20,000.00
* Costs are estimated. Actual fees may vary by course and lifestyle.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Need-Blind Admission
Financial need is not considered during the admission process for both domestic and international students.
Campus Life
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