I'm looking at larger universities and I'm interested in Penn State. Can anyone share how it ranks overall? I want to see if it's recognized for any specific programs or if it's a solid choice for a state school.
Penn State is indeed one of the big public universities in the U.S., with a strong overall academic reputation. As of the latest US News & World Report ranking, Penn State ranks #63 in national universities and #30 among public schools. It's also one of the top research universities in the country, with extensive resources and facilities.
Penn State is particularly known for programs such as Engineering, Business, and Earth Sciences. Its College of Engineering's undergraduate programs are ranked #20 nationally, and the Smeal College of Business is also highly ranked, with the supply chain management/logistics program coming in at #10 nationally. In addition, Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is noteworthy, especially for students interested in geosciences, meteorology, or materials science.
Moreover, as a Big Ten school, Penn State offers an enriching campus life with a spirited athletic culture. This adds to a broad college experience and is known for shaping a close-knit community among students and alumni.
As always, keep in mind that rankings shouldn't be the sole deciding factor of where you choose to attend. It's crucial to consider factors like cost, location, size, available programs and resources, and the overall campus environment when making your decision.
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