Founded in 1855, Penn State is Pennsylvania’s only land-grant university and has a broad mission of teaching, research and public service.

The University Park campus, with an enrollment of some 40,000 students, is Penn State's administrative and research hub, offering more than 160 majors and hundreds of options within those majors.

The campus is located in central Pennsylvania, adjacent to the community of State College and overlooked by majestic Mount Nittany. The University Park campus is about three hours from Pittsburgh, four hours from Philadelphia and Washington, D. C., and just over four hours from New York City.

State College is the quintessential college town, and has a wonderful mix of shops, restaurants and accommodations. State College offers everyone the feeling of warm hospitality.

As a first-year student, you may choose from among 20 Penn State campuses to start your education. Many students (about 60 percent) spend their first two years at one campus, then move to another location to finish their degrees. Where you finish depends on your major and the type of campus you prefer. Typically, you may relocate to University Park after completing your first two years of study toward a baccalaureate degree if you are in good academic standing. Since 60 percent of Penn State's students spend their first two years at other Penn State campuses, a large proportion of students at University Park are juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Penn State University Park offers over 500 clubs and activities that include, but are not limited to, student government, fraternities and sororities, musical and performing arts groups, communications and publications groups, religious and spiritual organizations, sports clubs and intramural teams and recreation groups, nationality and ethnic organizations, and special interest groups focused on almost anything you can think of, from a mock trial team to the Monty Python Society. Whatever your interest, you will find an organization or two that are right for you.

First Year Seminar:

This is a required course designed to ease the transition from high school to college. The small size of the seminars allows for more discussion in class, interaction with the professor, and attention to writing skills.

L.E.A.P. (Learning Edge Academic Program):

Provides entering freshmen the chance to begin their journey at Penn State University Park by way of a learning community. LEAP students take courses together, live together, and take a team approach to learning. This exciting and comprehensive experience is offered only during the summer and only to first semester undergraduates admitted to University Park.

Schreyer Honors College:

The Shreyer Honors College is Penn State's university-wide honors program. Students in all of Penn State's academic colleges may simultaneously be members of the Honors College. The goals of the college are to provide an environment in which students of high ability and motivation can achieve their academic potential, while they develop as responsible civic leaders and global citizens.

The Smeal College of Business Trading Room:

The new state-of-the-art trading room brings the reality of Wall Street to the University Park Campus. The Smeal College of Business at Penn State is one of only a handful of colleges nationwide that has invested in such a technologically-advanced learning laboratory for students at all academic levels.

Other Programs

There are many other special programs you may choose to pursue as you progress in your studies. International Education Programs and Studies can help you enhance your education through international study, offering more than 100 programs around the world. Undergraduate research opportunities abound - students gain knowledge and practical experience while working on faculty research projects. Internships and cooperative education programs allow you to learn more about your career choices while gaining on-the-job experiences in your field.