Plymouth State University (PSU, PSU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Plymouth State University (PSU) is a co-ed public residential university that offers both graduate and undergraduate programs. Plymouth State has a total enrollment of approximately 4,300 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students. PSU primarily caters to the higher education needs of the residents of New Hampshire and New England.

Plymouth State University is located in the foothills of the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire and the campus is spread over an area of 170-acres. PSU features facilities such as the Lamson Library and Learning Commons, Langdon Woods, the Boyd Science Center, a LEED certified residence hall, a Welcome Center and an Ice Arena. The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The history of Plymouth State University dates back to 1808 when Holmes Plymouth Academy was set up to train teachers. In 1871, the New Hampshire Normal school was set up in Plymouth. In 1927, the American Council of Teacher Colleges rated the Plymouth Normal school as a Grade A teachers college. The college was renamed as Plymouth Teachers College in 1937 and then again renamed as Plymouth State College of the University System of New Hampshire in 1963. The Plymouth State College was given its current name of Plymouth State University by the State Legislature in 2003.

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Information Summary

Ranks 7th in New Hampshire and 1208th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	77.6
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$28,950
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1070
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	22 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	69% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,059

Academics

Plymouth State University offers nearly 50 undergraduate majors and 60 minors, 75 graduate degree programs, and numerous certificate programs. The undergraduate programs offered at the university include the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and the Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. The Bachelor of Arts degree program is available for various areas of studies such as Anthropology, Art, Biology, Communication Studies, and Criminal Justice. Students opting for the Bachelor of Science degree program can specialize in Biotechnology, Biology, Childhood Studies, Athletic Training, Adventure Education, and Health Education.

The graduate degree programs offered at the Plymouth State University include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in teaching (MAT), Master of Science (MS), Master of Education (MEd), and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in learning, leadership, and community.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Students wishing to attend Plymouth State University are required to complete the Common Application and the PSU supplement. First-time college students are required to submit official copies of their transcripts or GED scores. They also need to submit an essay on one of the subjects suggested on the application. Students are required to provide one academic recommendation and their SAT/ACT scores.

Applications for admission are screened on the basis of academic record, activities, essay, SAT or ACT scores, and recommendations. Certain programs at the Plymouth State University have selective requirements. For example, the Art Department requires a portfolio while the Music, Theater, and Dance Department has audition requirements. The Nursing program also requires additional supplemental application materials.

For students seeking graduate level admissions, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Admissions are based on academic qualifications, the potential of the student, admissions essay, and letters of recommendation. In addition, most departments require scores achieved by the students in specialized examinations such as the MAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or OAT.

Financial Aid

Plymouth State University participates in a variety of financial aid programs to help students meet their educational expenses. Different forms of financial aid that are available to Plymouth State University students include grants, scholarships, work-study employment, and student loans.

Financial aid is either need-based or merit-based. Merit-based awards available to eligible PSU students include the Presidential Scholarship, Top Scholarship, and the PSU Scholarship. Need-based awards include Federal Pell Grant, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and the Federal TEACH Grant Program (TEACH). Students may also be eligible for various student loan options, such as Federal Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) loans, federal Perkins loans, and Federal Direct PLUS loans. Students can also apply for work-study programs in which they can seek on- or off-campus work-study positions.

To apply for financial aid from Plymouth State University, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education. Plymouth State recommends a priority deadline of March 1 to apply for financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Plymouth State University encourages the development of a well-rounded personality and therefore provides numerous options to students to get involved in extracurricular activities.

Student Services and Activities

Each student at PSU is assigned an academic advisor who assists students in selecting courses and pinpointing academic deficiencies. The Academic and Career Advising Center encourages students to get involved in self-evaluation and provides guidance related to experiential learning, career exploration, and job search activities.

Plymouth State has three campus ministries which offer sources of discussion and counseling related to faith and spirituality.

Student Clubs and Organizations

The Student Activities office organizes various activities for enriching the leadership, cultural, and social experience of the students. There are more than 100 clubs and student organizations to cater to the diverse interests of the students. Some of these include the Adventure Education Club, Crafters Anonymous, Diversity Fellows, Dodgeball Club, Fish and Wildlife Club, Gaming Club, and the Japanese Culture and Animation Club. Numerous theatre productions, performances, and exhibitions of art work are organized in the Karl Drerup Art Gallery and the Silver Center for the Arts.

Campus Housing and Facilities

Housing facilities are available for PSU students in both residence halls and apartments. The residence halls feature single, double, and triple rooms and are equipped with amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, internet, television, and phone services. The apartments at Plymouth State University feature fully furnished one- and two-bedroom units that include a kitchen and private bath. Dining foptions are available at Prospect Dining Hall, Hartman Union Building, Commons Café at Lamson Library, and The Woods at the Langdon Woods Residence Hall.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Plymouth State University is a member of the NCAA Division III. The intercollegiate athletic teams include men’s baseball, football, ice hockey, and wrestling. Women’s teams include field hockey, softball, swimming, and volleyball. There are both men’s and women’s teams for basketball, lacrosse, skiing, soccer, and tennis.PSU athletic teams are known as the Panthers, and school colors are green and white.

The Physical Education Center is the primary athletic facility at Plymouth State. It features a 2,000 seat gymnasium, indoor field house with four tennis courts, a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool, a fitness facility, and a wrestling room. The Physical Education Center is surrounded by 33-acres of playing fields for the athletic teams.

Bibliography

Plymouth State University. About Plymouth State University. Web. 15 September 2011.

Plymouth State University. Academics. Web. 15 September 2011.

Plymouth State University. Academic Catalog 2011-2012. 2011. Print.

Plymouth State University