Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (PSUPSY, ) Academics and Unique Programs

Academics

One of the oldest universities in America and founded in 1855, Pennsylvania State University- Penn State York is commonly referred to as Penn State. This historical school started off as an agricultural college. This institution received university status in 1953. Pennsylvania State University – Penn State York is located in Pennsylvania Park, Pennsylvania and has 19 other locations around the state, which includes a school of law, a medical school, a school of technology, and a distance education program.

Known for its strong technical and scientific fields, Penn State University- Penn State York offers an array of majors for pursuit of a bachelors degree, in agriculture, education and the social sciences. Penn State also offers associate degrees which can be received in 2 years in areas of study such as criminal justice, business administration, occupational therapy, nursing and many other disciplines. Penn State does not require that a prospective student have a certain GPA for acceptance, nor is a minimum standardized test score from the SAT or ACT required for a decision alone. Instead Penn State relies on a combination of the prospective students GPA, standardized test score, class rank, and the extracurricular activities the student has engaged in. All prospective students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their admissions packet. In addition to the other components of the application process, the personal statement holds some weight in making a decision regarding acceptance.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 37th in Pennsylvania and 458th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	87.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$16,308
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	25 / 1300
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	85% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	948

Unique Programs

Penn State University is unique in that it offers a meteorology program called Accu -Weather. Accu-Weather is a program designed to give an accurate forecast of the weather. This program was designed by a Penn State University alumnus. Penn State offers other unique programs such as industrial health and safety with a focus on electrical engineering.

Additionally, Penn State University – Penn State York offers a program known as L.E.A.P. LEAP stands for Learning Edge Academic Program. This program is offered to freshmen students to better acquaint them with life as a student at Penn State. The new student is teamed up with a Penn state student who shares similar likes and interest. They attend classes together and in some cases live together as well. A counselor is assigned to help the student determine how he or she would like to use their educational experiences and degree in the future.

Gallery

Financial Aid

There are a variety of financial aid options available to the students of Penn State University – Penn State York. A large number of Penn State students are recipients of student loans. Grants, work study programs, and scholarships are also available. It is important that students who are seeking financial assistance apply as soon as possible. All students are automatically considered for school scholarships. Scholarships in certain disciplines however must be approached differently. The student must apply for the scholarship in that particular department.

Athletes are encouraged to apply for financial aid at Penn State. There are over 500 different athletic scholarships that are available. The cost of attendance varies as students who live outside the state will pay a slightly different amount than those who are from Pennsylvania. In addition to the many scholarship and grant opportunities available to students, all are encouraged to complete the federal governments FAFSA application online to determine eligibility. Students are encouraged to take any financial aid inquiries or concerns to the Office of Financial Assistance.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3972nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Freshmen students are required to live on campus to enhance and enrich their academic experience. There is also time to relax and play as there are many on and off campus activities available. Social and community enrichment events are offered through on campus clubs, sorority, and fraternity groups. The student union is open 24 hours daily and allows time for students to engage in a variety of activities. Due to the location of Penn State, outdoor activities are also easily enjoyed by students including skiing, hiking and sailing. There are also venues available where concerts and plays are held for the enjoyment of the community.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Traditions

Traditions are an important part of a historical school such as Penn State University. Penn State York has three traditions celebrated annually that draw not only students, but community members as well. These annual events are Ivy Day, Toast Throwing, and the Penn Band. Ivy Day is a celebration of the graduating class planting Ivy by a designated building. An Ivy stone is then placed on a building to commemorate the occasion. Also on this day, four prestigious awards are given to four senior men and four equally prestigious awards are given to four women. This celebration is always led by a prominent speaker chosen by the graduating class. Past Ivy Day speakers have been comedian Joan Rivers and basketball superstar Julius Irving.

It is said that Toast throwing began back in the mid 1970’s. Toast throwing is done as a sign of school pride. After the third quarter of the special toast throwing football game at Penn University, the fans and students come together and sing, “Drink A Highball” and as the words are sang, “Here’s a toast to dear old Penn” The fans throw toast on the sidelines. The Penn band is also a part of the Penn State tradition. This band has a membership of over 100 participants. The band is different in that it is strictly on a volunteer basis, meaning there are no scholarships, stipends, or any financial benefit that is offered for being a part of it. The band is very active and performs from August through May on a yearly basis. The Penn band was the first collegiate band ever to march and play in the famous Macy’s Day Parade. The band has also showcased its talent in the Rose Bowl and Miss America Pageant. Additionally, the band has performed for past presidents; namely President Nixon, President Reagan, and Vice President Al Gore.

Local Community

There are several attractions located in the surrounding areas of Penn University. Those attractions can be enjoyed by students, and family friends who visit the area. The PSU golf courses, The Mount Nittany vineyards and winery, Penn’s Cave and Bald Eagle State Park are amongst the many found in the area. The Penn State York community also offers other attractions such as the Matson Museum of Anthropology and other earth and science museums.

Bibliography

Penn State University – Penn State York. Academics. 20 May 2011.
Penn State University – Penn State York. Financial Aid. 20 May 2011.
Penn State University – Penn State York. Traditions. 20 May 2011.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York