Penn State
- Academics

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Penn State - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Full-Time Student Population 42,211
Part-Time Student Population 2,195
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 2,439
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 369
Total FT Faculty 3,187
Faculty with Terminal Degree 77%
Average Faculty Salary $84,146
Full-Time Retention Rate 93%
Part-Time Retention Rate 92%
Graduation Rate 85%
Programs/Majors Offered 190
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students : 32%
  • 20 to 49 Students : 50%
  • 50 or More Students: 18%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Penn State features a wide range of professors and class types. Most teachers are well trained in their field, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Just like most schools, graduate and international students serve as teaching assistants. Some can be easier to work with than others. It becomes pretty easy to learn which professors are student-friendly and which ones to avoid. Upperclassmen and Web sites like RateMyProfessors.com are good sources to guide you. The bottom line is that your effort will usually dictate your grade: If you put in the work, your grade will reflect it.

Class size also varies widely. It’s easy to get lost in the large auditorium classes, but these are unavoidable when you’re working on general requirements. As you progress in a major, though, you’ll find that classes become smaller, more discussion-oriented, and more personal. Penn State has a lot to offer academically, and this is especially true if you’re motivated to learn.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Penn State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Penn State

nxs5192

'13

Criminal Justice and Corrections

5.0
A+

Best Education for You

I am a Criminal Justice student at Penn State University and am very pleased with the education I have recieved so far. My professors are experienced in the field of study and therefore can present real world examples. Each student has a specific program attached to them in order to complete school with out taking unneccesary courses.

Feb 06, 2012

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Academics at Penn State

heartz235

'13

Hospitality Management

3.5
B

Registration Process

It's a bit tough to do it on your own but I contacted an adviser who thought he was helping me and changed my whole schedule without asking me when I was available for class. A for effort but F because he messed up my work schedule for the semester.

Jan 07, 2012

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Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at Penn State

nko5006

'13

Psychology

4.6
A

Feel Free to Be Educated

most professors have a if you want to learn you will and if you don't you wont attitude. they provide as much help as you ask for if you dont they may inform you overall about interships or job but for specifics you have to ask

Dec 28, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: Yes
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3–5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5 or higher on the English language exam
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Agricultural Sciences
  • College of Arts and Architecture
  • College of Communications
  • College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health and Human Development
  • College of Information Sciences and Technology
  • College of the Liberal Arts
  • Eberly College of Science
  • Schreyer Honors College
  • Smeal College of Business
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Finance, General: 2%
  • Information Science/Studies: 3%
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 1%
  • Psychology: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • The Hub
  • The Library
  • Quiet coffee shops
Did You Know?

Thirty percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Penn State offers 149 baccalaureate degrees.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at PSU

Name: James Bunting

Hometown: Whitehall, PA

Major: Journalism

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school