Pennsylvania State University--University Park User Reviews and Ratings
Daughter of Alumnus Now Attending PSU
By Paul - PSU '85... father of ChemEng 2022, From Park Ridge, NJ
My daughter is now a sophomore Chemical Engineering student at University Park and absolutely loves the school. While the University Campus has changed a little since I graduated in 1985, all of the changes made it even better (I wish some of them were done when I was there). While a large campus (46,000 students), my daughter always said that it actually feels smaller than some of the other colleges she visited with only 26,000 students. The campus is beautiful and logically laid out and just feels "right." While football is the premier sport at PSU, they excel in many and have more championships than any other Big Ten school. Their academics are also first class (and tough). Also, while out-of-state tuition is relatively high (ugh!), its worth it for the overall experience and academics. Housing costs are right on par with most other colleges and lower than most "city" colleges. All freshmen are provided housing in the dorms their first year (required). While USNews classifies it at a "city" setting, it really is "suburban" with a vibrant business district on one side of the campus. And while the reviews in this survey don't account for it, a huge reason my daughter decided to apply/attend was the size and effectiveness of their alumni association (the largest in the country). She knows that this will not only help her get her first job, but subsequent jobs as she advances her career. Now in her second year, my daughter says she couldn't have made a better decision.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Excellent in all respects
By MCB 1990, From Northeast USA
I majored in molecular biology and minored in chemistry nearly 30 years ago. Penn State provided an excellent foundation for my career in genetics and medicine - I am now a full professor at an Ivy League institution. My education and summer work experiences at PSU never left me feeling inferior educationally to colleagues with more highly pedigreed educations. Bonus- I had an absolute blast during my four years. Recently visited main campus - though expanded, it continues to hum with the same cheerful energy it did years ago.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great Prospects
By Graduate 2017, From Philadelphia, pa
My son graduated 2017
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Whose rating? By far in Top 20
By Hugo class of 1926, From New Jersey
Enrollment highest in top 100 colleges which means twice as many brains to teach, making percentages none equivalent to even be considered equal to school with enrollment of 10k or less Ranking at 57 does no justice. PsU should be in top 20. Cleanest campus on earth by far, and I visited 25campuses. Ohh by the way PsU alumni unmatched. We really got each others back.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Awesome University
By Nigell, From England, UK
Penn State has everything one could ask for. It deserves much better than its Top 55 national ranking. Great overall environment, rigorous educational programs with lot of interdisciplinary options, a premier top 10 research university, unlimited extra curriculars, excellent job placements, competitive yet diverse international student body, Professors actually teach and teaching assistants actually help, arts are big on campus, sports teams compete well is almost any sport not just football, university town environment in pristine happy valley fosters student interaction -you are about 2 hours from everywhere - NY, DC, Philly, NJ. Truly a PUBLIC IVY.
What best describes you? Prospective Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Quality academics and campus life!
By Steven '14, From Houston, Texas
Alumni
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great But Overpriced
By Yinzer, From Iowa
I loved my time at PSU. Faculty were excellent. Try to take courses from professors. At times, TAs teach courses and are still learning; they make plenty of mistakes starting out. Everything needed is on campus. Libraries there were clutch. PSU sports are top notch. The degree holds weight with employers. I only give it 4 stars because it is consistently one of if not the highest priced public schools in the nation.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Out-of-state students must prepare for sticker shock
By Victor, parent of student, From NJ
The State College, Pa., campus of Pennsylvania State University is enormous with an enrollment of 40,000; student housing is expensive, from $720 to $900 a month for a room in 4- OR 5-bedroom house, plus utilities and insurance; tuition for out-of-state students is exorbitant. As the parent of an out-of-state student, I would not recommend PSU, which promises a lot more than it delivers. For example, its highly touted co-op program -- where students work for a company in their field of interest for a semester and a summer, and don't take classes or pay tuition -- is little more than a resume-polishing operation.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：3
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：5
Atmosphere
By Class 2005, From Pa
If you want the largest alumi in the world backing you on your post grad endeavor then PSU is for you. It's absolutely the best university to attend.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Life-changing educational and extra curricular experience
By Lawson, Class of 2019, From University Park, PA
From beginning to end, my experience at Penn State has been amazing. Your first year you are greeted with the most welcoming group of piers. The "we are" mantra really rings true! Then throughout your college career, you are nestled in Happy Valley which is a bustling, yet quaint little town with all of the big city amenities (including traffic). The town feels like its own little college town utopia made just for having the best college experience as possible! With that all being said, there has been an influx of students into the university so class sizes have grown a little. (That's coming? from a graduating senior)
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Best for education quality, reputation, and job opportunity
By mom of student class of 2020, From Miami, Florida
Penn State offers a rare opportunity for students to receive internships during school semester and summers. Penn State students are highly sought after because of their maturity and responsibility. This is a tough school, every class is a challenge. if you put in the work, the rewards are great for future career endeavors.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：2
Health & Safety
Score：5
Outstanding experience
By John '14, From Nacogdoches, TX
This was a great place to attend. Beautiful surroundings and atmosphere.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
State College
By Ty, From NV
I attended time at university park campus. My two semesters was pretty awesome. I spent a lot of time in Joe Peterno's library and at the school of IST. Everyone was friendly, including administration and faculty.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
In love with PSU from first visit
By Michelle, class of 85, From VA
As a high school senior, I had acceptances from all schools to which I applied, from Ivy League to Tech schools and small to large., but really had my heart set on UVA. I was about a week away from having to make my final choice when my mom said that the least I could do was at least visit Penn State (I hadn't prior) since they had accepted me as a freshman to main campus (University Park or UP) which they don't do often for out-of-state freshmen. When we left home outside of DC, it was a beautiful April day, 70's and sunny, so I wore a linen blouse and skirt and sandals. By the time we got to State College, it was in upper 30's/low 40's and sleeting - quite the shock, to say the least. We met with an admissions officer and then took the campus tour. By the time we were back to the car, I thought my toes were frostbit, but I didn't care - I was in love and knew where I wanted to go!! After a 4 1/2 year tenure that was bumpy at times, I was still in love and actually cried when we left for good. I found that from the big freshman classes to the small major classes, the professors were very interested in the success of their students and provided both academic and life lessons that I still remember 30+ years later. Like many, I had concerns about going to such a large school, but I needn't have worried. There are activities for every interest and folks are so welcoming that no one open to an experience should feel unwanted.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Penn State...An Education for a Lifetime
By Ahmed 1992, From Raleigh, NC
Going to a school away from home is highly recommended. Not only do you escape from the support umbrella that parents provide, it also forces freshmen to take responsibility for themselves...and Penn State University Park is a great place for that. Immediately after starting classes there, the pride of the school, the number of activities, and the quality of education all combine for an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Penn State's education and professors are tops. It won't be easy...they will definitely push you beyond your comfort zone and that is what you should expect. The sports teams also contribute to the Penn State experience. Football games are great...but so are women's volleyball, men's soccer, etc...and all these events are all well attended.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
It was a great experience.
By Don Busch, class of 1992, From Coudersport, Pennsylvania
I have heard said, "Don't go to a big university; you'll be lost and ignored there." But I'm glad for my student life at Penn State 32 years ago. I earned an English degree and two minors at the age of 48. At that age I did expect to be lost among so many traditional college agers and amazing academics. Well, I was pleasantly surprised by helpful entertaining professors and a friendly outgoing student body. I'm glad I went to Penn State.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Penn State MS-Eng degree increased my career prospects
By Suresh, From New Jersey
In early 80s (1983 to be exact,) I was admitted to an Engineering program leading to an MS degree in Engineering at the King of Prussia campus (later it got merged with Great Valley Campus at Malvern in Pennsylvania.) I used to work 8 to 4 at a New Jersey location in those days. I attended evening school, enrolling for just 2 courses (for 6 credits, each quarter) since balancing my work during day time, commute to college in the evenings was tough for me. I was married too with 2 kids in those days! My spouse gave me all the support on home issues. I got my MS Eng degree in a computer science related field after three and half years of hard work, in mid 1986. Believe it or not, I got a boost in my career prospects; practically doubled my salary after the MS Eng degree. Thank you Penn State.
What best describes you? Alumni
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Lion for Life
By Soulworker, From Tokyo Suburbs
So the long story short is that I loved my time at PSU. I completed my doctorate in Ed. Leadership there as well as my School Superintendent certification. These were not easy working full time, but the Dept of Ed Leadership faculty was immensely supportive. I would gladly send my kids there when they are ready for college. =D
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Penn State
By wackman, From Ajijic, Mexico
I was a very average student at Penn State. However, I did graduate with a degree in Business, and used what I did learn everyday. My clients were some very high powered folks, and I found I could hold my own. I have come to believe that a true judge of the effectiveness of a teaching process is how well it touches all levels of student. Penn State is very successful at this. Its location is lovely and peaceful.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Best environment and learning experience
By Carlos B class of 78, From Puerto Rico
Excellent and good quality professors, safe environment, walked campus after midnight..., got a Job inmediatelly. Applied everything I learned.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：5
Penn State was a great overall experience.
By Saeed class of 2013, From Abu Dhabi, UAE
My experience was amazing from an educational and social point of view, the diversity at Penn State is a key to its success
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Penn State prepared me for my future
By Patti, From Seattle WA
When I started at Penn State the world opened up to me. I was presented with opportunities and experiences that I had never even thought about. My thinking and ideas were challenged. The resources that the university made available to me were boundless. It was all there. I could have not asked for a better experience. When I graduated I was well prepared for my career choice. I highly recommend the Pennsylvania State University.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
