Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Penn State Behrend offers a strong value with nearly half of all students receiving Penn State scholarships, averaging $2,000 to $6,000. A new Carnegie Classification recognizes Behrend as a 'Higher Earnings' college, highlighting the return on investment for its graduates. Payscale.com and SmartAsset.com have rated Penn State Behrend in the top 10 percent of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania for return on tuition investment and best value.

Penn State Erie has a 96% acceptance rate. The middle 50% SAT range is 1110-1320 and the ACT range is 23-28. The application fee is $65 and SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Penn State Behrend provides a student-centered environment with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 21. The college offers interdisciplinary learning, bringing together schools of business and engineering for collaborative projects. Students describe the academic environment as supportive, with accessible professors.

Penn State Behrend is part of the University ranked first by U.S. corporate recruiters for producing graduates prepared to succeed, according to a Wall Street Journal survey. 96% of graduates are employed one year after graduation. The Black School of Business programs rank among the top 10% in the country for financial return.

Penn State Behrend offers a welcoming campus atmosphere with a range of clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, fraternities and sororities, and cultural societies. While some students feel there could be more activities and nightlife, the school hosts various student-led events that foster a sense of community. The campus is home to more than 140 international students, contributing to a diverse student body.

Students generally feel very safe on the Penn State Behrend campus, noting that crime is rare and the community is close-knit. The presence of a Health and Wellness center and an on-campus police station adds to the sense of security. Overall, students do not question their health or safety while on campus.

The Penn State Behrend Honors Program is designed to provide a richer academic experience for highly qualified first-year and sophomore students. Honors students enjoy benefits such as flexibility in planning individualized academic programs, small Honors classes, and special scholarship opportunities. Students can also enter the Schreyer Honors College and continue studying toward a Penn State Honors Degree.

More than 140 international students from nearly forty countries attend Behrend, contributing to a diverse student body. International students join other Behrend students in participating in a dozen multicultural organizations on campus. The campus strives to be inclusive, though some reviews mention a lack of integration across ethnic groups.