Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington (PSUPSA, ) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Pennsylvania State Abington (Abington) is a branch campus of the Pennsylvania State University System. The campus is located in Abington, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia and just off highway 611. It offers more than 15 baccalaureate degrees and 2 associate degree programs. Abington also serves as a starting point for students hoping to complete their education at University Park or one of the other Penn State locations. It offers a number of two-year programs that let these students adequately prepare for transfer to another of the system’s campuses. Approximately half of Abington’s students stay on its campus for all four years of their degree; many of the rest transfer to another Penn State location to complete their major requirements.

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Information Summary

Ranks 80th in Pennsylvania and 892nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	81.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$32,722
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1270
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	22 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / 42%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,746

Academics

Abington offers 17 undergraduate degrees, 2 associate degrees, and a variety of minors and certificate programs that help students fine tune and specialize their academic pathways. The majors offered through a 4-year program at Abington include topics in biology, business, nursing, arts and sciences, history, education, and social sciences. Students can also choose from a number of minors they can add to their diploma to round out a standard degree or further specialize in a particular field.

2+2 Program

The 2+2 program is a method by which students can take the first two years of their degree at Abington and finish their studies at another Penn State location, usually University Park. This opens up a vast range of options for students, since almost any Penn State major can be started at Abington. For students who feel limited by the major selection at Abington, a 2+2 program is a good choice for studying a topic of interest and earning a Penn STate diploma.

Associate Degrees

Students who want to expand their knowledge but are not ready or able to commit to a four-year program may be interested in Abington’s two associate degree programs. Abington offers associates degree in business administration and letters, arts and sciences. Each of these programs can be taken on a flexible schedule, with classes during either the day or the evening.

Honors Programs

Abington offers three honors program for various types and years of students. The Abington Honors Program is designed for first-year students who are invited to join based on their high school achievements. It offers a challenging environment with special privileges, and students are able to enroll in honors courses and participate in research, leadership, and international study. This program is completed at the end of sophomore year.

Abington Scholars are students who have successfully completed the Abington Honors Program and decided to stay at Abington for all four years. These students maintain their honors status, are eligible for scholarships, and enjoy special privileges.

The Schreyer Honors College is open to the whole university, and it enrolls students who demonstrate academic excellence and ability. Schreyer scholars on all campuses are encouraged to participate in honors coursework, an undergraduate thesis, research, and international study.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Prospective students apply for Abington through the Penn State Admissions system. The application must be completed online on the website “MyPennState.” One portion of the application must be printed and given to the student’s high school guidance counselor, who will finish submitting the form and send official high school transcripts to the relevant office at Penn State. Students can check their application status online at any time.

Prospective applicants may want to participate in a campus tour or open house or contact the Office of Admissions with any questions or concerns.

Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid should begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at fafsa.gov. This important document will determine eligibility for federal aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also often required as a supplementary material for many third-party applications for scholarships and loans.

There are many additional sources of funding for students seeking merit-based, department-based, or interest-based help. The Office of Financial Aid will help students seek out and apply for various sponsored scholarships and grants.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3983rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Abington has a thriving student life with dozens of student clubs and organizations. From the Anime Club to the Creative Writing Club to choir organizations and pre-professional societies, students are sure to find a group that meets their interests. There is an interactive student activities website that keeps members updated with the most recent information. The Student Government Association also sponsors activities and events throughout the year for the whole campus community.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Abington is an NCAA institution in the North Eastern Athletic Conference. Students can compete in a number of men’s and women’s varsity sports, including soccer, tennis, cross country, basketball, golf, and more. Students can also join club sports or intramural teams for a low-pressure, high-fun approach to athletic participation.

Bibliography

Penn State Abington. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.

Penn State. Applying on the Web Worksheet. Print.

SGA Home Page. WIX Free Website Builder. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington