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Diversity:

D+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:

Quick Stats

African American

4 %

Asian American

6 %

Hispanic

4 %

International

3 %

Native American

0 %

White

83 %

Out-of-State

25 %

College Prowler Take

There is no hiding the fact that white, middle-class students make up a large portion of the student body at Penn State. A large number of students come from suburban Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Many classes, especially in the sociology department, are aimed at opening the dialogue between races. These classes have been very instrumental in creating an open and peaceful atmosphere on campus. Racially-motivated crime at Penn State has not been an issue for years.

It’s important to keep in mind that State College is surrounded by rural areas with an even less diverse population. The climate is by no means adverse to minorities, but it may not be as accommodating as larger cities and more diverse college towns. The political leaning of central Pennsylvania is generally conservative. While different cultural and personal backgrounds are accepted around campus, this may not be the case when you’re away from the University’s grounds. More liberal residents agree that the best way of dealing with the close-mindedness of the area is through education and tolerance. Recent statistics have indicated that minority populations are increasing at Penn State, but they have a long way to go before the campus could be considered a modern day “melting pot.”

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

Anonymous says:

Penn State is not very diverse...

Penn State is not very diverse racially. There is an equal distribution of men and women, though. There are some minorities, but the vast majority of Penn State students are white, and you can see the lack of diversity when you take a walk through campus.

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Anonymous says:

Almost everyone is white and...

Almost everyone is white and middle class or a farmer. Every so often you get that foreign student or someone from Philly or Pittsburgh but, in reality, PSU is not very diverse.

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Anonymous says:

Sure, the campus population is...

Sure, the campus population is very diverse—there are people of various shades of white, at least.

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Anonymous says:

Culturally, Penn State is very...

Culturally, Penn State is very diverse. Overseas, it is an extremely popular university to attend, so it attracts students from many countries around the world. Chances are, you will have several international students in every class, which provides for a much more dynamic and culturally-diverse discussion.

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Anonymous says:

I feel very comfortable here on...

I feel very comfortable here on campus. Compared to my home in New Jersey, there are less Hispanics and more African Americans on campus. That’s the only big difference. There are over 20 religious groups to my knowledge, too.

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Facts

Gay Pride

Homosexuality can be a sensitive issue at any campus. Through such organizations as Allies and the USG Department of LGBTA Affairs, the gay community actively participates and often spearheads debates and events promoting acceptance, understanding, and safe sex. The Valentine’s Day KissOut on the Old Main steps generates a lot of attention each year.

Minority Clubs

Penn State has about 50 minority clubs and student organizations run by and directed to students of many different cultures and nationalities. These clubs sponsor different events across campus and sometimes become highly visible in local media; a good example is the Black Caucus, which frequently makes news as it strives for racial equality on campus.

Most Common Religions

The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center is the largest multi-faith structure of its kind in the country. There are 42 student-run religious organizations on campus. Christianity is the most popular religion, but there are many opportunities for students of a different faith to become involved.

Political Activity

Campus has a more liberal leaning, but that doesn’t mean other groups don’t voice their opinions as well. When a social issue becomes particularly heated, there are often rallies and protestors representing all sides. The steps of Old Main and the end of the mall on College Avenue are the most popular places to find student activists.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: James Bunting
Hometown: Whitehall, PA
Major: Journalism

James's favorite activity is traveling. He's been to Disney World three times and the Caribbean twice, and he spent three weeks in Europe.

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler Internship

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