Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Worth It?
University Park, PA · Small city · 42,284 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a R1 Research University located in small city in University Park, PA. It enrolls approximately 42,284 students. The acceptance rate is 61%, making it moderately selective. 86% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $63,435 median earnings and $25,000 median debt, median debt equals about 5 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 68% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
2.15 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 163 of 261, grade F.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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