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 100,000 students and 17,000 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 100,000 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.

A collage of photos of Penn State student Josh Maldonado-Santiago's travels on the left and a portrait of Josh on the right.

There’s Always a Way

A strong work ethic combined with a Penn State education has led first-generation student Josh Maldonado-Santiago to a world of opportunity and a life of service as a future Air Force officer.

Read Josh’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.

Penn State’s Christina Grozinger and the Center for Pollinator Research are implementing creative approaches to protecting bee populations in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Researcher Janice Light is helping give a voice to people with complex communication needs.

Penn State’s world-class acoustics expertise aids a legendary Pennsylvania company.

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.

$219M

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

760K+

Living alumni worldwide.

130+

Countries represented across our student community.

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