This is Penn State

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across twenty-four campuses and an online World Campus, our nearly 90,000 students and 20,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world.

A student worker wearing an apron in a greenhouse.

Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters—more than half a million strong—driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.

From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree.

We are Penn State.

One Degree with Endless Opportunities

As Pennsylvania’s largest public university, Penn State educates nearly 90,000 students each year—including first-generation college students and adult learners. Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to round out their education through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, research, internships, and more.

Kenneth Keitt in front of Penn State Lehigh Valley building

Beyond Limitations

Pairing a motivated mindset with Penn State's entrepreneurial resources allowed Penn State Lehigh Valley graduate Kenneth Keitt to turn a life-changing accident into a platform for those with disabilities.

Read Kenneth’s story.

Interdisciplinary Research Pursuits

Penn State researchers collaborate across disciplines to develop solutions that positively impact the world. Our research expertise extends beyond the lab through partnerships with industrial, governmental, educational, and agricultural leaders. Learn more about our research enterprise.

Researchers are advancing the capabilities of 3D printing with biomaterials—someday printing new organs and tissues—and revolutionizing healthcare.

The Penn State Grape and Wine Team maximizes grape and wine production and quality in Pennsylvania and the eastern United States.

Penn State’s Living Materials team is working across departments and continents to engineer adaptive, self-powering, living materials that respond to their environment.

Pennsylvania's Capital Building with an overlay of Advocate Penn State's logo

A strong Penn State means a strong Pennsylvania

Our network of advocates supports students, families, and communities across Pennsylvania by sharing their Penn State stories.

Join our network

A Community of Shared Pride and Success

After graduation, our community continues to share expertise and support with fellow Penn Staters and neighbors. Our global network of more than half a million alumni is available to students when they want advice on job networking, mentoring opportunities, and what to expect in the future. Around the world, Penn Staters are continuously finding new ways to serve and improve their communities using knowledge gained here.

$236M

Raised for pediatric cancer research and patient support through THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy.

775K+

Alumni around the world.

130+

Countries represented across our student community.

Penn State Traditions

From the origins of cheering "We Are Penn State" to being crowned the world's best student section, generations of Penn Staters have established traditions that connect our community.

Explore our traditions.

A photo that is split down the middle. On the left, you can see a black and white photo of Joseph Garratti roughing out the shape of the Lion Shrine. On the right, you see a color photo of the Lion Shrine at University Park.

Nittany Lion Shrine: A Brief History

More than just a campus landmark, the Nittany Lion Shrine is an emotional touchpoint for Penn Staters everywhere.

Learn more about the Nittany Lion Shrine.