Pennsylvania, United States
Public
University Type
76
QS Global Rank
$25,676
Average Living Expenses
The Penn State Smeal College of Business is a top-ranked business school known for its emphasis on leadership, sustainability, and global business education. Established in 1953, Smeal offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs that prepare students for dynamic careers in business and management.
Penn State Smeal College of Business has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 18-19% for its MBA program. Though the acceptance rate for specific graduate programs like the Master's in Finance might be higher, such as 32%.
For international students, the total cost for the Full-time MBA program at Olin Business School is approximately $54,000 per year (around ₹45–46 lakhs). Additional expenses, including living costs, books, and personal expenses, bring the estimated total cost of attendance to about $75,000 per year (approximately ₹63–64 lakhs, depending on exchange rates).
Strong Corporate Ties: Partnerships with Fortune 500 companies for internships and recruitment.
Focus on Sustainability: Recognized for integrating sustainability into business education.
Global Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top business schools in the U.S.
Flexible Learning Paths: Offers full-time, part-time, and online programs for diverse career needs.
Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!
Average tuition fee
NA
Just fill in your preferences and reach the best loan offer with Loan Finder
Availed education loan
Loan amount approved
Assistance for loan
Living expenses
Average living expenses (Bachelors)
$25,676
Average living expenses (Masters)
$25,676
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
18%
Application Fee
$65 - $85
Students applying to Penn State Smeal College of Business must follow a structured application process that applies to both undergraduate and graduate programs.
For undergraduate admissions, applicants must apply via the Common Application or Penn State’s application portal and submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, and standardized test scores (optional). Proof of English proficiency is required for international students.
For graduate programs, including Master’s degrees and the MBA, applications are submitted directly through the Smeal Graduate Programs website. Required materials typically include academic transcripts, a CV or resume, a personal statement or essays, letters of recommendation, and for some programs, GMAT or GRE scores. Relevant work experience may be required for programs like the MBA. Some programs may also conduct interviews.
Visa Requirements: International students must secure a U.S. F-1 student visa before beginning their studies. To apply, students must receive an I-20 document from Penn State, provide evidence of financial support for tuition and living expenses, and show proof of
English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores.
Scholarships: Penn State Smeal offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students, including:
Smeal College of Business Merit Scholarships (for high-performing graduate applicants)
Penn State Academic Scholarships (available to outstanding undergraduate applicants)
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships (provide tuition coverage and stipends for eligible master’s students)
Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall), or PTE scores unless they have completed a degree in an English-speaking country.
Application Deadlines
|
Program |
Application Deadline |
Program Start |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate Programs |
Rolling Admissions (Recommended by November 30) |
August 2025 |
|
Full-Time MBA Program |
Final Round: April 1, 2025 |
August 2025 |
|
Specialized Master’s Programs |
Varies by Program (typically March–May 2025) |
August 2025 |
|
UG/PG |
Documents |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
Completed application form Official high school transcripts SAT/ACT scores (if applicable) English proficiency test scores Letters of recommendation Personal statement Application fee |
|
Postgraduate |
Completed application form Official transcripts GMAT/GRE scores (if applicable) English proficiency test scores Resume Statement of purpose Letters of recommendation Application fee |
|
Exams |
Acceptance Scores |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL |
100 Minimum |
|
IELTS |
7.0 Minimum |
|
GMAT |
650 Minimum |
|
GRE |
155 - 160 |
⏱️ Find Your Perfect College Match in 30 Seconds
Just pick your degree - we’ll handle the rest. Instant shortlist, no guesswork.
Trusted by 120K+ usersWhich degree do you want to study?
I want to do
Bachelors
I want to do
Masters/MBA
Select one of the options to get started
#76
QS World University Rankings
Premium Yocketer profiles
Yash Dhond
ShortlistedFinance
Spring 2026
Hasritha Reddy
ShortlistedSupply Chain Management
Fall 2025
Smeal has a strong network of over 80,000 alumni worldwide, with many holding leadership positions in major corporations. Notable alumni include:
John Surma: Former CEO of U.S. Steel
Ann Baskins: Former General Counsel of Hewlett-Packard
David Taylor: Former CEO of Procter & Gamble
The Architects behind countless Study Abroad Success Stories!
Join Yocket Premium and get the best guidance at every step
We have a team of 60+ experienced Ivy League counsellors ready to help you!
Ask, post and discuss!
Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!
Campus life
Pennsylvania offers excellent transportation options for students:
Public Transit: The Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides reliable bus services connecting the Penn State campus with the surrounding areas. CATA’s extensive network ensures easy access to key destinations, including residential areas, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.
Bike-Friendly Campus: Penn State promotes sustainable commuting through dedicated bike lanes and rental services. The university also offers bike-sharing programs, allowing students to rent bicycles at an affordable rate for on-campus and city travel.
University Shuttle Services: Penn State provides on-campus shuttle services for students, ensuring convenient and safe transportation between different university buildings, residence halls, and research centres.
With a strong emphasis on business leadership, innovation, and sustainability, Penn State Smeal College of Business continues to be a top choice for students pursuing a world-class business education.
Career Services Center: Offers resume reviews, mock interviews, corporate connections, and career fairs focused on business fields.
Academic Advising and Tutoring: Includes peer tutoring, academic workshops, and advising for major selection and graduation planning.
Diversity Enhancement Programs: Initiatives like the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs (DEP) support underrepresented students through mentoring and professional development.
Business Clubs: Over 40 student-run organisations like Nittany Lion Fund, Women in Business, and Supply Chain Club.
Global Immersion Programs: Short-term global business programs to destinations such as Singapore, Ireland, and China.
Community Engagement: Service-based initiatives like Smeal Serves promote leadership through volunteerism. The broader Penn State community offers a spirited campus life with strong alumni connections and traditions like THON (a dance marathon for charity).
Read More
Faculty Information
University Faculty Stats
Penn State Smeal College of Business boasts a distinguished faculty of over 200 full-time professors, many of whom are internationally recognised scholars, industry leaders, and award-winning educators. The faculty brings a blend of academic excellence and real-world experience, ensuring that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical business insights. Many professors actively collaborate with global corporations, government agencies, and research institutions, providing students with exposure to cutting-edge business trends and real-world applications.
Jobs and Opportunities
Internship opportunities at Smeal College of Business
Internships are a key part of the Smeal experience, with over 85% of students completing at least one internship before graduation. The college has strong corporate partnerships, providing students with access to top-tier internships at companies like Amazon, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, PwC, and Johnson & Johnson. Smeal’s Career Services Office supports students in securing internships through:
Career fairs and networking events
One-on-one career coaching
Resume workshops and interview preparation
Alumni mentorship programs
Placement of Smeal College of Business
Approximately 67% to 81% of Smeal College of Business graduates secure full-time employment within three months of graduation, depending on the graduating class and year-specific data. In addition, around 13% of graduates choose to pursue advanced studies or competitive fellowships as part of their post-graduation path.
The college’s corporate connections and strong alumni network play a crucial role in helping students land roles in finance, consulting, marketing, supply chain management, and technology. Some of the top recruiters at Smeal include:
Big Four Accounting Firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
Fortune 500 Companies (PepsiCo, IBM, General Electric, Microsoft)
Leading Investment Banks (JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley)
The average starting salary for Smeal graduates is approximately $75,000 for undergraduates and $120,000+ for MBA graduates, demonstrating the strong return on investment in a Smeal education.
Read More
