Pennsylvania State University Reviews

  • 113 Reviews
  • State College (PA)
  • Annual Tuition: $38,651
92% of 113 students said this degree improved their career prospects
94% of 113 students said they would recommend this school to others
Start Your Online College Search:

Student & Graduate Reviews

James S
  • Reviewed: 2/26/2024
  • Degree: Teaching
"Penn State was very fun. There are lots of bars and clubs in town to be social and meet new people. I learned some things about education that I did not know, and I re-learned lots of things I already knew. When I had a health issue towards the end of my program, I was booted from that program and awarded a Master's without the necessary certification to get a job in my field. Penn State would not re-accept me to finish my certification. I am now attending another university to finish my program, at full cost to myself. Had Penn State not removed me from my program for a medical issue, I would be a certified teacher helping to end the teacher shortage. Right now, I am substituting intermittently and living below the poverty line on Medicaid. Thanks Penn State!"
Nicole Velasquez
  • Reviewed: 9/9/2019
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"Penn State has a great Kinesiology and Sports Medicine program. Providing many teaching methods to help students understand the curriculum. Although classes were large of about 200-400 students, it is best to talk to professors and get to know them as well as ask as many questions as possible when it comes to exams or homework questions. Taking advantage of office hours and study sessions will definitely help you understand even the most difficult courses. The Kinesiology professors definitely made the courses interesting."
Sally Ngo
  • Reviewed: 8/20/2019
"PennState (main campus) did not have the best financial aid, and I think it's because there are so many students at the school. It's hard to stand out since there are many students who perform well (whether that's academics, sports, etc.) Even within my major, it was hard to stand out to find scholarships. I also think that as an institution, there's just too many students for the school to try to reach the students. I am sure there are a lot of resources, but you have to search for them yourself (sometimes hard to find). However, it is a public state school, so it's cheaper, especially if you are from Pennsylvania. I majored in Bio-behavioral Health (BBH), which I loved! It was similar to sociology and psychology in one major, with some biology as well. There's a lot of social theories that are needed, but it served as a great foundation for my public health graduate classes. I think the higher level classes are sort of repetitive, so it gets sort of boring. However, there are some higher level classes that you can focus on, like sleep or stress. I also double minored in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and Japanese. A lot of the HDFS courses overlapped with the BBH classes, so it was easy to minor in it. HDFS was more similar to psychology, but I enjoyed it a lot. I also loved my Japanese classes; although intensive, I was most motivated to work for this class, and I learned the most. All of my teachers in BBH, HDFS, and Japanese are top quality, and I loved learning from them. TL;DR: Classes were great, teachers were amazing. Financial aid is not that great, and resources available are hard to to find."
Airforce Airmen
  • Reviewed: 7/29/2019
  • Degree: Engineering
"This was my first insitution and my expreance here was horrible. I was also going thought alot of my own issues also and I was very young and not very resibonsible so keep that in mind. That being said I had never been in a program that try so hard to fail you. Keep in mind I was engineering, if you go for a non engineering degree you classes are not going to be as hard as mine. Professors have no interest in teaching the students and just want to do research. The Exams are nothing like the homework and you need to find old exams on the web on your own and pratice doing those problems or you will fail. Everywhere you go on this campus is a scam to take as much money from the students who can't afford it. From 500$ a book to 250$ parking pass (most of the time they're no parking space), the tuition is awful and I wonder where all those money are going. I went to an advisor to see what steps I could take to get into my program since I had to declear my major by the end of second year and I hadn't complete one of my require course yet and they just told me to switch to a History degree. This is really painful when I paid this school almost $50,000 at that point. I trasfer to Rowan College at Burlingtion County (RCBC), for an engieering degree and is now able to presue my dream without taking out debt that I will never be able to pay back just to feel like I'm nothing. It does not matter to you employer where you go to school as long as it is an accredited institution. You are not going to learn more in Calculas from Penn State as to smaller schools. They cover the exact same chapters and use the same book, the only drifferent is that Penn State will give you an Exam that is intended to fail 30% of the class where other insitution make exams to test your knowleage. P.S. I now have an Engineering Degree amoung other degrees as well."
Catherine
  • Reviewed: 7/19/2019
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"Throughout at my time at Penn State I had a rollercoaster of emotions. I came from a small high school and was instantly overwhelmed by the mere number of student on campus. However, after a few months of adjusting and looking at lots of maps I felt that this could be a place I called home for few years. The best part about Penn State isn't the football games (although they are very fun and such a cool experience) or the fact that it has one of the largest alumni associations in the world (which is super helpful when trying to find a job), is how many organizations you can be a part of. Everyone can find their own unique place within the larger Penn State Community which I think is amazing. I found some of my best friends in college from different organization like THON, which is Penn State's Dance Marathon the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. But also from meeting people in the Sign Language Organization! Specifically with my degree of study, I felt that the program at Penn State prepared me very well for my time in graduate school. Since Penn State has a graduate program for Speech-Language Pathology, the professor and coursework is aimed at preparing you for the grad school level of knowledge. While the program may be larger than others, I found it helpful to meet and interact with new students every semester and learn about their experiences. The professors at Penn State want you to succeed and want you to learn. They have clinical and research backgrounds which allows for multiple perspectives to take with you for your future clients. Overall, I would not have changed my college experience for any other."
Rahul Arya
  • Reviewed: 6/29/2019
  • Degree: Industrial Engineering
"This school has a phenomenal career services department, and I believe it is the best thing about this university. In my sophomore year, I had 4 interviews, but through the resources provided by the university and some folks within my network, I was able to improve my resume, interview skills, etc. and I had a combined 70 interviews between my junior and senior year. This is a direct result of the career services at Penn State. It is student's responsibility to put the work and time in, but it is possible. I think the professors, at least the ones in the industrial engineering department, are great. They provide great instruction in class, are very helpful during office hours, and will provide career guidance if you ask for it. They are extremely approachable, and they understand what it takes to get a good job out of Penn State. The professors can put you in contact with industry folks, research opportunities, and so much more to help advance yourself and gain experience that is hard to come by. Additionally, the extracurricular activities offered at this university are phenomenal. The student body is filled with numerous personalities that make it an enjoyable environment. Get involved, network, and make friends that will be around for a lifetime."
Harleigh McCloskey
  • Reviewed: 6/20/2019
  • Degree: Psychology
"The Pennsylvania State University is ranked 59th among the Best National Colleges in the US, and is the 14th best team nationally in football. With dozens of nationally ranked majors and being a prestigious, highly regarded university, the competition to be a Nittany Lion is unlike any other. We're ranked 10th in the Best Student Life in America, and 1st in the Best Student Life in Pennsylvania. It's a family, a home and a network that I'll forever hold close to my heart. The campus is among the most beautiful, with the falls and winters being unparalleled with any other, and the springs picturesque. Penn State football is notorious for its high energy and the nationwide connection it provides. Theres a saying that you can find Penn State family everywhere. The study of Psychology at Penn State has allowed me to network with some of the highest regarded mental health professionals in the nation, as well as participate in the best research opportunities. Unlike any other large university, Ive still managed to receive one on one attention and countless opportunities for help if needed. My professors have always treated me with respect and regarded me as a professional and a friend. Alongside the distinguished academics, the friends and memories I've made are unmatched. From the sporting events to the events like Arts Fest, Bryce Jordan Center concerts and THON, Penn State has always made those in the PSU family and friends of Penn State feel like they're at home, and it'll always be one of the best times of my life."
Dakota Ker
  • Reviewed: 6/18/2019
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"Attending Penn State was one of the best decisions I could have made. Everything from the application process to the graduation process was wonderful. The staff are always willing to help, whether it is through email, phone call, or just stopping into one of their offices. The faculty and staff are exceptional. After going through my academic program, I feel incredibly prepared for the future. The campus has so much to offer with extracurriculars and other activities. Students know it is a big campus so they make sure to include others so it can feel like a home away from home."
Kylie Kuhns
  • Reviewed: 6/9/2019
"This university is bursting with pride, as it should be. While attending I rubbed elbows with the best of the best academically, athletically, artistically, and philanthropically. There is a sense of community felt when you are with a group of Penn Staters that is not felt anywhere else, it makes you feel at home, welcomed, and important. I would do another four years if I could to continue my involvements with THON, to keep meeting incredible people, and to enjoy the beautiful campus."
Dana May
  • Reviewed: 5/30/2019
  • Degree: Veterinary Science
"I highly recommend pursuing a degree from Penn State. Obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences was the most rewarding thing I have done. I learned about important topics to my field and gained valuable research experience. I had the opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience and attend conferences, workshops and seminars that have all helped to shape me into the scientist I am today. In regards to fun and extracurricular activities Penn State offered various free events, movies, concerts and more. The campus environment can be really busy at times but their a various places and niches for students to escape to."
Kaitlin Barker
  • Reviewed: 3/30/2019
  • Degree: Art History
"Overall attending Pennsylvania State University was a great opportunity for me. The resources provided were extroidinary. My only complaint would have been the lack of connections provided by the Visual Art School to the business sphere within the art industry and the oversight of a joint art business program."
Bernadette E.
  • Reviewed: 2/12/2019
  • Degree: Psychology
"I studied Psychology through Penn State's World Campus. The flexibility afforded by the online program cannot be overemphasized, but this does not mean that it was in any way "easy." In fact, having a history of traditional brick-and-mortar education, I can safely say that the online program was "no joke;" it was rigorous and thought-provoking, with no room for slacking off. There were multiple due dates each week, and weekly discussion posts that mandated references to assigned activities. The discussion posts were respectful and often necessarily challenged the reader to re-evaluate their previously-held assumptions and ideas. Group work was certainly possible with the online platform and helped to engage the student in real-life, virtual interactions. The downside of the online program was that some professors were not as easy to interact with as others and had less comfort utilizing the online platform."
Summer Knapp
  • Reviewed: 12/21/2018
  • Degree: Human Services
"Penn State is a great school with multiple campuses, all with a different atmosphere. I enjoyed my campus and working with representatives from all campuses. The Human Development and Family Studies program is a great option for those that want to work in social services or social justice fields but don't want to be stuck in one specialty. It is a very broad, flexible degree that gives you many options when deciding which group or organization you would like to work in."
Connor Aghili
  • Reviewed: 11/18/2018
  • Degree: Physics
"This program is a research heavy focused program. That being said I would advocate a service in which students are more familiar with industry jobs. This degree program seems mostly focused on pushing undergraduate students to go towards graduate school. The education is to notch but more real world applications is needed to give students a greater application in the subject they are studying. However if your focus is on education and research then this program is for you. The school offers a state of the art materials characterization laboratory that even undergraduates are able to use."
PSU
  • Reviewed: 8/14/2018
  • Degree: Photography
"This is an amazing school with some great teachers. They really care about there students and want them to succeed. They are very helpful in finding internships. They will also help you when looking for a job after graduation, they will help you with everything from how to dress for an interview to filling out your resume."
Danielle Carfaro
  • Reviewed: 7/31/2018
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"Penn State is an amazing school. Although University Park may seem like a very large school to most, it becomes small when you become apart of the family there. You will bleed blue and white. The Kinesiology program and it's department are one of a kind. Many of the professors there are doing top-level research and highly regarded in the health and fitness community. If you are choosing this as your major you are certainly going to be among some of the brightest minds in the field."
Lindsay McAvoy
  • Reviewed: 7/30/2018
  • Degree: Journalism
"I had a great experience in this program at Penn State. The department of communications treats its students really well and respectfully. Whenever I had a questions via e-mail, I was always answered in a timely fashion with answers and options. I LOVED my teachers, who always took time to help me and help me better my skills. I am still friends with a few to this day."
Kayleigh Barber
  • Reviewed: 5/1/2018
  • Degree: English
"Both the English Department in the College of Liberal Arts and the Journalism Department in the College of Communications are well-rounded and student-focused departments. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university and learning within each of these departments. Both of my degrees opened several doors for me and helped me to hone in on my passions and what I wanted to pursue as a career. The professors and faculty are all intelligent and accomplished people and worked with me to be the best student I could be."
Olivia Cannarozzi
  • Reviewed: 4/18/2018
  • Degree: Nutrition
"My experience at college was tumultuous to say the least. It began with me starting out as a veterinary science major. I quickly realized that committing to eight years of school before I even began my education was not what I wanted. See, but that's the great thing about Penn State. Due to the vast size of the school, there are numerous departments and majors to choose from. I ended up staying in the college of agricultural sciences and pursing a degree in food science. This program has been difficult, but definitely rewarding. I have learned a lot and been on the receiving end of cutting-edge research. I have also had opportunities to obtain scholarships, study abroad, and make valuable connections with staff and students. I have enjoyed my time at Penn State and look forward to the future that it has created for me."
Jon Shanfelder
  • Reviewed: 3/12/2018
  • Degree: Psychology
"The Psychology program at Penn State is an exceptional one. The best part about this program is the array of different psychology classes you can take, including classes about clinical, counseling, abnormal, social, developmental, perceptual, and organizational psychology (plus many more). I would highly recommend Penn State if you wish to major in Psychology."