The Community

Penn State University

Penn State University is consistently ranked among the top research and teaching institutions in the world. It recently jumped 50 spots to number 51 in the World University Rankings conducted by The Times Higher Education. Home to more than 44,000 students and over 5,000 international scholars, University Park offers a diverse intellectual community. In addition to extensive scholarly programs and activities, the school is home to some of the most venerated sports teams in the U.S. On weekends during the fall, the famous Beaver Stadium hosts more than 100,000 football fans.

State College, PA: One of the Safest U.S. Cities

State College, Pennsylvania was ranked the safest U.S. metropolitan area by the Congressional Quarterly (City Crime Rankings 2009-2010). That is one of the reasons that the University is able to attract a large population of international students who value personal security along with studying at a top U.S. university. State College recently placed third out of 20 towns in the "Best College Towns under 250,000 Residents" category by the American Institute for Economic Research and has been named by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine as one of its “50 Smart Places to Live.” You can walk, jog, or bike to class or take the excellent CATA bus system. State College is often said to have the amenities of a larger urban area but has a small-town feel.

State College is located within easy driving distance of Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City. State College is a much less expensive city so you can enjoy a year of reasonable rent and a manageable cost of living suitable for people with families.

In addition to everything that Penn State has to offer, State College has a vibrant cultural life with concerts, theater, and sports teams. There are hiking and biking trails at scenic state parks, beautifully maintained golf courses, and nearby ski areas.