It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
Can't make it to campus?
Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
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What customers are saying
Get to know Penn State
Penn State is a leading public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence across science, business, the arts, and humanities—fueled by innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong global perspective.
Overview
Established in 1855, Penn State is a public land-grant research university with its flagship campus located in University Park, Pennsylvania. Known for its extensive range of programs, strong research initiatives, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams, Penn State operates multiple campuses across the state, offering diverse educational opportunities.
Size
As of fall 2023, Penn State University Park has a total undergraduate enrollment of 42,223 students. The university's combined undergraduate enrollment across all campuses is 73,476.
Acceptance rate
Penn State University Park has an acceptance rate of approximately 54%, with an early acceptance rate of 70.3%. Half of the admitted students who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1220 and 1400 or an ACT score between 27 and 32.
Cost
For the 2023–2024 academic year undergraduate tuition and fees were $20,644 for in-state students; $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduate tuition and fees varied by program and campus. Approximately 52% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $15,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Penn State University Park is ranked #63 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Penn State offers over 275 bachelor's degrees across various disciplines. The most popular undergraduate majors include Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences. The university maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
Penn State University's traditions include the THON Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, the White Out Game at Beaver Stadium, the annual Blue-White Game to kick off football season, the Old Main Bell Ringing during special events, and the Homecoming Parade celebrating school pride.
Campus landmarks
Penn State University's best landmarks include the iconic Old Main building, the Lion Shrine, the Penn State Arboretum, Beaver Stadium, and the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, all symbolizing the university's heritage and vibrant campus life.
Student body
Over 70% of Penn State students are from Pennsylvania, with out-of-state students predominantly from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and California, along with a growing international student community from over 130 countries.
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Become a guideYour Penn State questions, answered
What GPA is required for Penn State?
Penn State doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but the middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs ranging from 3.55–3.97 at University Park and 3.07–3.65 at other campuses. Some majors may have additional GPA requirements.
What city is Penn State located in?
Penn State’s main campus is in State College, Pennsylvania, which is part of Centre County and extends into College Township.
How much is tuition at Penn State?
For the 2023–24 academic year, Penn State’s tuition is $20,234 for in-state students and $40,188 for out-of-state students.
Why is Penn State so famous?
Penn State is renowned for its strong academic reputation, top public research programs, and highly regarded athletics, especially football at Beaver Stadium, one of the largest college stadiums in the world.
Is Penn State hard to get into?
Penn State is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 54%. Meeting the admission requirements gives applicants a good chance of acceptance.
What majors is Penn State known for?
Penn State is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, computer science, communication, and social sciences, as well as agriculture, environmental science, and biology.
Where do most freshmen live at Penn State?
Most first-year students live in North Housing Area, a coed residence complex with four-person suites and some two-person suites for upper-class students.
How can I take a tour of Penn State?
You can schedule a guided campus tour through Penn State’s admissions website, which includes a student-led walkthrough of key locations. Self-guided and virtual tours are also available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
Does Penn State offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour with a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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