Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Acceptance rate
91.2%
2025
Out-of-state tuition
$15,356
$30,630 with room and board
Undergraduates
8,051
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Graduation rate
17.7%
4-year; 6-year rate 31.6%
About
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, commonly known as Penn State World Campus, is the online campus of the renowned Pennsylvania State University, providing flexible and accessible education to students around the globe. Established in 1998, it has rapidly grown to offer over 175 degree and certificate programs, catering to a diverse range of fields including business, engineering, health, education, and information sciences. One of the standout features of Penn State World Campus is its commitment to delivering a high-quality education that mirrors the rigorous standards of its on-campus programs. This ensures that online students receive the same level of academic excellence and are taught by the same distinguished faculty members who teach in-person courses at Penn State's other campuses.
The university prides itself on fostering a supportive and collaborative online learning environment, which is reflected in its vibrant student community. With a mission to provide accessible education, Penn State World Campus serves a diverse student body that includes working professionals, military service members, and international students. The school emphasizes the importance of student engagement through various resources such as online discussion forums, virtual networking events, and academic advising. Additionally, the university's strong alumni network provides graduates with valuable connections and opportunities in the job market, reinforcing the institution's reputation for producing well-prepared and successful professionals. Overall, Penn State World Campus exemplifies a modern approach to higher education, blending convenience with quality to meet the needs of today's learners.
Analysis of Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Data Trends
The data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveals notable trends in tuition, student enrollment, and retention rates, reflecting the evolving landscape of higher education. Over the years, the cost of tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has increased significantly, reaching $15,054 for in-state students and $15,054 for out-of-state students in 2023. This trend mirrors national concerns regarding rising tuition costs, which continue to be a barrier for many prospective students.
In terms of enrollment, there was a steady increase in undergraduate students from 2014 to 2019, peaking at 8,513 students in 2018. However, the data for 2020, 2021, and 2022 shows a concerning drop to zero, likely due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This significant decline highlights the impact that global events can have on higher education institutions. Fortunately, the numbers picked up again in 2023, with 8,210 students enrolled, indicating a potential recovery.
Retention rates have also shown improvement, climbing to approximately 74.56% in 2023. This is a positive sign, as higher retention rates often correlate with student satisfaction and institutional support. The increase in retention suggests that the university is successfully addressing the needs of its students, which is vital for maintaining enrollment numbers.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable with a slight decrease from 24 in 2013 to 16 in 2023. This improvement is significant as a lower ratio often leads to better academic support and personalized attention for students, which can contribute to higher graduation rates.
Overall, while tuition costs remain a pressing issue, the university's efforts in improving retention and maintaining a favorable student-to-faculty ratio may enhance the overall educational experience for students in the coming years.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Small city
- Nearest major city
- Harrisburg, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 130 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Karen I. Pollack (Acting Vice Provost for Online Education)
- Phone
- 8148655403
- Address
- President's Office 201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802-1503
Rankings & Admission
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2023: men 82.4%, women 81.0%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The admission data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveals an intriguing trend over the years. Notably, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have fluctuated significantly from 2013 to 2023, with male acceptance rates increasing from approximately 55.7% to 82.4% in recent years, while female acceptance rates showed a slightly less dramatic rise from about 59.3% to 80.9%.
The enrollment numbers also tell a compelling story. In 2013, only 229 students were enrolled, but this number peaked at 351 in 2016 before experiencing fluctuations in subsequent years. The year 2018 stands out with the highest number of denied applicants, totaling 1,763, indicating a highly competitive admission process that year. This could reflect a surge in applications, possibly due to the increasing reputation and accessibility of online education, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made remote learning more attractive.
Moreover, the number of applicants deferred has remained relatively consistent, suggesting that many students are still interested in attending the university but may need more time to make decisions or are considering other options. The increasing acceptance rates may suggest a strategy to attract a broader pool of students, likely in response to the competitive landscape of higher education.
Overall, the data highlights the evolving dynamics of admissions at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, reflecting broader trends in higher education that prioritize accessibility while also grappling with the challenges of maintaining selectivity and quality in an increasingly competitive environment.
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 12% submitted SAT, 2% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Scores at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The data on admission scores for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveals an interesting trend over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. The introduction of specific score ranges for SAT reading and mathematics indicates a more structured approach to evaluating applicants. Between 2013 and 2023, there has been a noticeable improvement in the score ranges, with the 25th percentile starting at 450 in 2013 and rising to 510 by 2023 in SAT reading, while the 75th percentile increased from 540 to 650 in the same period.
The percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a peak of 29% in the years 2019 to 2022. This suggests that a significant proportion of candidates are opting to present their SAT scores, reflecting the test's ongoing relevance in college admissions despite the growing trend of test-optional policies across many universities.
Moreover, the increase in score ranges indicates a gradual rise in the academic performance of admitted students, which is consistent with broader trends in higher education where institutions are becoming increasingly competitive. This shift may also correlate with the university's efforts to attract academically strong candidates, particularly in light of the changing landscape of standardized testing and college admissions in recent years.
In conclusion, the data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus shows a clear trend of rising academic standards and fluctuating applicant behaviors regarding standardized tests, highlighting the evolving nature of college admissions in the current educational climate.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
1,198 applicants in 2025, 91.2% admitted
1,092 admitted 106 not admitted Yield 30.9%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's362 (2% international)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other · Master's180 (3% international)
- Systems Engineering · Master's71 (0% international)
- Labor and Industrial Relations · Master's70 (0% international)
- Homeland Security · Master's69 (0% international)
- Computational Science · Master's68 (4% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The graduation data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveals interesting trends in various fields of study. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program stands out, with a significant number of graduates, particularly at the master's level, where 366 students received their degrees. This high number indicates a robust interest in business education, likely driven by the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the business sector as the economy continues to recover post-pandemic.
Furthermore, the Psychology program, with 168 bachelor's graduates and 8 international students, highlights the growing relevance of mental health awareness and the importance of psychological services in today’s society. This trend aligns with the broader societal shift towards prioritizing mental health, especially in light of the challenges faced during recent global events.
On the other hand, fields such as Information Technology and Homeland Security show that there are emerging areas of expertise, though they have limited graduation numbers. For instance, the Information Technology program has produced 34 associate graduates, indicating a potential area for growth to meet technological demands in various industries.
The data also reveals a notable presence of international students, particularly in master's programs, suggesting that the university is appealing to a global audience. This diversity can enrich the academic environment, fostering cross-cultural perspectives in learning.
Overall, the data underscores the university's strengths in business and psychology while indicating opportunities for growth in technology and security-related fields. As industries evolve, aligning educational offerings with market needs will be crucial for the university's continued success.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $38,044-$52,236 | ||||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $56,682-$122,042 | ||||
| Accounting. | $64,480-$81,321 | ||||
| Accounting and Related Services, Other. | $64,480-$81,321 | ||||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | $138,103 | ||||
| Finance, General. | $52,980-$69,230 | ||||
| Hospitality Administration/Management, Other. | $51,779 | ||||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $40,234-$92,380 | ||||
| Labor and Industrial Relations. | $40,234-$92,380 | ||||
| Organizational Behavior Studies. | $40,234-$92,380 | ||||
| Human Resources Development. | $40,234-$92,380 | ||||
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | $116,437 | ||||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $58,892-$91,554 | ||||
| Marketing, Other. | $58,892-$91,554 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | $133,941 | ||||
| Information Technology. | $133,941 | ||||
| Informatics. | $133,941 | ||||
| Information Science/Studies. | $49,860-$129,630 | ||||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | $72,546-$119,536 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - | ||||
| Computer Engineering, General. | $85,528-$131,945 | ||||
| Computer Software Engineering. | $85,528-$131,945 | ||||
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | $111,392 | ||||
| Mechanical Engineering. | $75,796-$114,915 | ||||
| Nuclear Engineering. | - | ||||
| Systems Engineering. | $112,580 | ||||
| Industrial Engineering. | - | ||||
| Engineering, Other. | $95,734 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | $57,562 | ||||
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | $60,469 | ||||
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | $72,514-$79,400 | ||||
| Geography, Other. | $72,514-$79,400 | ||||
| International Relations and Affairs. | $47,319 | ||||
| Political Science and Government, General. | $46,124 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $37,593 | ||||
| Social Psychology. | $33,367 | ||||
| Psychology, Other. | $107,800 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $59,068 | ||||
| Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $57,192 | ||||
| Educational/Instructional Technology. | $80,769 | ||||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | $60,560 | ||||
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | $69,658 | ||||
| Trade and Industrial Teacher Education. | $61,781 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $41,573-$47,359 | ||||
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $41,573-$47,359 | ||||
| Homeland Security. | $84,946 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $55,314-$81,337 | ||||
| Public Health, General. | $62,094 | ||||
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other. | - | ||||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $82,877-$107,187 | ||||
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other. | $82,877-$107,187 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | ||||
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | $40,786 | ||||
| Science, Technology and Society. | - | ||||
| Nutrition Sciences. | $60,104 | ||||
| Computational Science. | $120,316 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $45,444 | ||||
| Mass Communication/Media Studies. | $45,444 | ||||
| Journalism. | $42,179-$44,298 | ||||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | $49,422 | ||||
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $55,985-$83,910 | ||||
| Public Relations/Image Management. | $55,985-$83,910 | ||||
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | $38,911 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | $54,078 | ||||
| Turf and Turfgrass Management. | $57,028-$57,972 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies, General. | $38,145-$38,150 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Mathematics. | $102,245 | ||||
| Statistics, General. | $117,206 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | $80,894 | ||||
| Public Administration. | $74,027 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | $37,190 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $34,927-$60,044 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | $44,357 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Studies. | $53,147 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, Other. | $68,734 | ||||
| Natural Resources and Conservation, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General. | $44,488 | ||||
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geology/Earth Science, General. | $53,216-$56,396 | ||||
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other. | $53,216-$56,396 | ||||
| Acoustics. | $106,704 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | $39,593 |
Students
13,774 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 48:52 · Freshman retention 65.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 6,449
- First-year undergraduates 216
- Graduate students 5,723
- Transfers and others 1,386
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,051)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The student demographics at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus in 2023 reveal a diverse and balanced population. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 299 students, with a notable female majority of 54.5%. This trend of higher female representation continues among undergraduate upperclassmen, where 6,477 students are enrolled, with women making up 52.2% of the population. The undergraduate transfer students, numbering 1,022, also reflect a significant female presence at 58%.
In contrast, the graduate student population, comprising 5,769 individuals, exhibits a male majority at 53.2%. This gender disparity in graduate studies may reflect broader trends in higher education, where certain disciplines still attract more male students, particularly in fields such as engineering and technology.
The data also highlights the racial and ethnic composition of the student body, although specific figures for the year 2023 are not provided. Historically, institutions like Penn State have seen a predominantly white student body, complemented by an increasing representation of Asian, Latinx, and international students. This aligns with national trends where universities strive for greater inclusivity and diversity.
Overall, these statistics reflect ongoing efforts to create a balanced and diverse educational environment. As institutions adapt to changing demographics and societal expectations, it is crucial to continue monitoring these trends to ensure that all students feel represented and supported in their academic journeys.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The student age demographics at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveal a diverse mix of ages, with a notable concentration of students in the 25-29 age range, comprising approximately 38% of the total student population. This trend aligns with the growing phenomenon of adult learners returning to education, driven by career advancement and lifelong learning goals.
The data indicates a significant presence of students aged 30-34, who make up about 22% of the total enrollment, further emphasizing the trend of non-traditional students pursuing their degrees. Interestingly, the population of students aged 22-24 is also considerable, accounting for roughly 20% of the total. This may suggest that many students are opting for continued education shortly after their undergraduate studies.
Gender distribution shows that the percentage of female students is consistently high across age groups, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 brackets. This reflects broader educational trends where women are increasingly participating in higher education and pursuing advanced degrees.
Conversely, the age group of 50-64 shows a smaller representation, making up only about 5% of the total student body, which may highlight barriers to entry for older adults or differing motivations for pursuing education at that stage of life.
Overall, the data illustrates a vibrant and diverse academic community at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, with a significant representation of both younger and older students, particularly among women, which reflects ongoing shifts in educational participation and societal norms.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years
223 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016
200 in 2025 · 6.1% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus reveals a notable trend in the enrollment of international students over the past decade. For undergraduate students, the number of international enrollees has seen a steady increase, growing from 48 in 2013 to 293 in 2023. This growth reflects a rise in the percentage of international students, which increased from 1.00% to 3.57% during the same period. While this percentage may appear modest, it signifies a growing recognition of the diverse perspectives that international students bring to the academic environment.
In contrast, the graduate student population has shown more fluctuations. Although the total number of graduate students also increased, the percentage of international students peaked in 2016 at 6.06% before declining to 3.66% in 2023. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, global events, and competition from other universities that may affect international students' choices.
The overall rise in international enrollment at the undergraduate level could be seen as a positive development for the university, enhancing its global reach and fostering a multicultural academic community. However, the dip in the graduate percentage raises questions about potential barriers that international students may be facing. As universities strive to attract talent from around the world, addressing these challenges will be crucial for maintaining and expanding their international student population.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$30,630
- Undergraduate tuition
- $15,356
- Room and board
- $15,274
- Graduate tuition
- $24,650
Tuition rose 14% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park · 0.0 mi
U.S. News #55
-
Juniata CollegeHuntingdon · 22.0 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg · 52.4 mi
Liberal Arts #29
-
Dickinson CollegeCarlisle · 53.9 mi
Liberal Arts #54
-
Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg · 74.1 mi
Liberal Arts #54
-
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster · 96.3 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Chatham UniversityPittsburgh · 110.8 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh · 111.7 mi
U.S. News #14
-
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh · 112.3 mi
U.S. News #59
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Pennsylvania State University - World Campus:
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Johns Hopkins University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its research programs and is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is particularly famous for its medical and public health programs.
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Carnegie Mellon University - With a rank of 24, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is celebrated for its strong emphasis on technology and the arts, making it a leader in computer science and engineering.
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Bucknell University - Ranked 30th, Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is known for its beautiful campus.
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Franklin and Marshall College - This college is ranked 35th and is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Franklin and Marshall is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to undergraduate education.
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Lehigh University - With a ranking of 47, Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is well-known for its engineering and business programs.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Data insights
Safety at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
The data from Pennsylvania State University-World Campus indicates an impressive track record of safety over the years from 2013 to 2023, with no recorded incidents of crime or disciplinary actions. This zero-crime statistic suggests that the campus environment is remarkably secure, fostering a sense of safety among students and staff alike.
The absence of arrests related to gun possession, drug-related offenses, alcohol-related disturbances, domestic violence, stalking, or any other serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault highlights the effectiveness of the university's safety measures and community programs. In an era where campus safety is frequently scrutinized and discussed, particularly in light of recent national conversations about crime and its impact on educational institutions, these statistics provide a reassuring perspective.
Moreover, the university's proactive approach in maintaining a peaceful campus atmosphere can be attributed to a combination of effective law enforcement, student engagement programs, and a strong emphasis on community values. Such an environment not only enhances the academic experience but also contributes positively to the overall well-being of the student body.
While it is essential to remain vigilant and continue to prioritize safety, the data reflects an encouraging trend that could serve as a model for other institutions. For those interested in understanding how these crime rates are calculated, further information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.