Penn State University

Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, is Pennsylvania's land grant institute with an enrollment of 42,914 at the main campus at University Park. There are many other campuses for Penn State and with their enrollment numbers it brings the University up to a total enrollment of over 83,000.

The University was founded in 1855 with the name of Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. The name was changed in 1962 to Agricultural College of Pennsylvania and a year later was voted as the states sole land grant institute. Fighting for its identity during these years the enrollment fell to 64 students while trying to incorporate classes other than Agriculture classes.

It wasn't until 1953 that the University got its name of Pennsylvania State University. Penn State has many campuses spreading across the state of Pennsylvania totaling 24 campuses. There are 13 colleges including Business, Agriculture, Communications, Engineering, and in 2008, the School of International Affairs.

Penn State launched its World Campus in 1998 to offer classes to students all over the world through online courses. Penn State has always been a revolutionary when it comes to distance learning as they offered correspondence courses for farmers since 1892. There are over 50 programs with which to get a college degree. 43 countries and all 50 states are represented by students enrolled.

Penn State is ranked 47th overall and the undergraduate business program and engineering program is ranked in the top 20. 34% of total enrollment is seeking degrees in these two programs.

Enrolling in Penn State's graduate program allows students to engage in significant research studies. There are also many opportunities for discovery given to undergraduates as well. Overall there is $2 million worth of research activity that comes from Penn State.

The football team has a rich history of success as well. The Nittny Lions, led by Joe Paterno, are on the national spotlight year in and year out. There are many Pennsylvania boys who grow up wishing to play for Joe Pa and the whole state rallies behind them as well.