Pennsylvania State University at University Park is just about 4 hours from New York City. The drive to the campus from NY takes you down a very scenic Interstate 80 with hills and valleys and even a few cows. It’s a feeling of driving through farm country before finally entering a municipality. After such a rural drive I was pleasantly surprised to land in what felt like a city built around the university. Surprisingly, Penn State is so large that it even has its own zip code.
With a mind-blowing more than 7,900 acres, Penn State is like something out of a movie. The staff is not only accommodating but also caring. Penn State made me feel like a person, not a student ID # or an unknown name on an application. I had zoom meetings with staff before the college tour and after the tour. After the general tour, I was also able to tour the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications which happens to be my desired field of study. The personal attention I received made me feel like I was individually important, even though there are more than 50,000 students at the main campus and over 85,000 students in total.
It offers something that schools in more urban areas do not, space to think and study in peace and quiet if and when you need it. I toured the University Park campus, and it definitely offers a true college experience. It is exactly what I always imagined a college campus would look and feel like. There are nicely done dorms on campus with several student dining halls spread throughout. I visited more than 10 colleges during my junior and senior year of high school and Penn State is the only one that offered free complimentary lunch for prospective students and their parents. This gave me and my parents an opportunity to not only sample the food but also witness the way real students interact while dining.
College Ranking
Pennsylvania State University is ranked No. 30 among national public universities and No. 63 overall out of 436 national universities listed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” ranking. It offers more than 160 majors and 200 minors and an extensive opportunity for students to travel abroad for international study.
Bellisario College of Communications
While touring the Communications Department, I was immediately impressed with the state of the facilities. Students are able to work with cutting edge technology and equipment in TV/Video production and Radio and TV Broadcast Communicaitons. There is also a focus on online digital communication in an effort to stay current with modern methods of delivering news. There’s even a campus newspaper and radio station completely run by students. Students have opportunities to go off campus with the equipment to cover breaking news stories and events. This level of hands-on engagement gives students a competitive advantage in the marketplace after graduation.
Final Thoughts
Student life on a story book like campus such as Penn State seems amazing. With more than 1,000 student clubs and organizations, there is something for everyone to find an interest or activity to participate in. The student union and other common areas seem to offer the perfect environment to mix and mingle with fellow students. Diversity in the student population was very noticeable. They seem to create an atmosphere that fosters building lasting contacts with like-minded people. Maybe even lifelong friendships.
It’s absolutely awesome that Penn State even hosts a creamery that makes homemade ice cream. They even allow students to attend sporting events like basketball games at no cost or low cost. Not many colleges offer that perk. Penn State University is a must see for anyone looking for the benefits of a large college experience with the personal attention of a small campus.
Get prepared for your next college tour by checking out the blog post What to Expect on a College Tour.