Penn State University

Penn State University, officially known as The Pennsylvania State University, is a comprehensive public research institution headquartered in University Park, Pennsylvania. Established in 1855, it has grown into one of the nation's leading universities, offering a wide array of programs and services across its multiple campuses.

Academic Programs and Research

Penn State provides a diverse range of academic programs through its 24 campuses, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," reflecting its significant contributions to research and development.

In 2021, Penn State spent $971 million on research and development, ranking it 26th in the nation.

Innovation and Technology

The university is at the forefront of technological innovation. In 2025, Penn State launched a new research hub at its University Park campus, focusing on the deployment of the eVinci microreactor from Westinghouse.

This initiative aims to advance nuclear research and explore new energy solutions.

Online Education

Penn State World Campus, established in 1998, offers over 200 online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. This platform extends the university's reach, providing accessible education to students worldwide.

Libraries and Resources

The Penn State University Libraries system comprises 36 libraries across 22 locations in Pennsylvania, housing a collection of over 6 million volumes.

The main libraries, Pattee and Paterno, serve as central hubs for research and learning.

Creamery and Dairy Products

The Penn State Berkey Creamery, established in 1865, is renowned for producing ice cream, sherbet, and cheese. It is the largest university creamery in the United States, using approximately 4.5 million pounds of milk annually.

The Creamery offers over 100 ice cream flavors, contributing to the university's rich tradition in dairy production.

Athletics

The Penn State Nittany Lions represent the university in intercollegiate athletics, competing in the Big Ten Conference. The university has a storied history in sports, with 82 national collegiate team championships, including 54 NCAA titles across all sports.

The Nittany Lions are known for their strong performances in football, wrestling, and other sports.

Community Engagement

Penn State's mission emphasizes positive impact through teaching, research, and community engagement.

The university's values—Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community—guide its daily activities and interactions.

With a global community of over half a million alumni, Penn State fosters a culture committed to service and engagement.

Locations

Penn State operates across multiple locations, including its main campus in University Park, Pennsylvania.

• Abington, PA, USA
• Bensalem, PA, USA

These campuses offer a range of programs and services, contributing to the university's extensive reach and impact.

In summary, Penn State University is a multifaceted institution dedicated to academic excellence, research innovation, community service, and global engagement.

Its diverse programs and initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering knowledge, leadership, and positive societal impact.