Penn State
- Diversity

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Penn State - Diversity - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.08

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 4%
Asian American 6%
Hispanic 4%
International 4%
Native American 0%
White 78%
Unknown 5%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 41%
Common States of Residence
  • Foreign countries
  • Maryland
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Virginia
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 29%
20-21: 45%
22-24: 15%
25+: 10%
Female Faculty 36%
Male Faculty 64%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 8%
Hispanic: 2%
International: 8%
Native American: 0%
White: 78%
Unknown: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

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.”

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?

Sort by:

Loading...

Diversity at Penn State

sld5340

Elementary Education '14

5.0
A+

Represents Everyone

The campus is pretty rich in diversity. It is very celebrated at Penn State. There are a lot of clubs that celebrate different backgrounds and sexual orientations. All of these clubs can quite openly celebrate what they are about without having to worry about a lot of criticism. It is a very open and accepting environment.

May 18, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Diversity at Penn State

luvyalions33

Public Relations '12

1.9
C-

Mostly White Students from PA, but Accepting on Minorities.

White PA residents dominate the campus, but there are opportunities for minority students to get involved and there are widely accepted on campus. There are ethnic organizations and greek organizations. I am white, but I also have black, hispanic and asian friends as well as gay friends.

May 15, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Diversity at Penn State

maikathy

Microbiology '14

4.6
A

Acceptance

At Penn State whether it's professors or students, everyone is open to help one another. This campus feels like home because no matter what race you are, people are willing to help and befriend one another. People on campus also don't judge by economic background, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs. It feels good to be at a campus where everyone is friendly to each other.

Apr 30, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
User rating for Penn State - Diversity is 3.5 out of 5 based on 65 user reviews.

Photos of Penn State's Diversity

College Students:
Register now to upload photos of YOUR school and show what it is really like!

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

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.

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 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.

Minority Clubs on Campus

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.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
James Bunting
Hometown
Whitehall, PA
Major
Journalism

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Buy the eBook "Penn State 2012: Off The Record"
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)