Is Penn State University a safe campus?

Hi guys, I’m thinking about applying to Penn State University, but my parents are a bit worried about campus safety. Can anyone share thoughts on how safe Penn State is, especially for an out-of-state student? Thanks in advance!

Penn State is generally considered a safe campus, and they have a number of measures in place to ensure student safety. The University Police and Public Safety department provides 24-hour patrol to all property owned and operated by the university. Also, they operate the Safe Walk Service, which is a service providing security escorts to students, faculty, or employees who feel unsafe walking alone on campus.

They also utilize the PSUAlert system, which is an emergency alert system that sends texts and emails to students, faculty, and staff during an emergency situation or inclement weather.

However, like any large university, Penn State determines safety on a situational basis and encourages all students to take precautions, such as not walking alone at night and keeping their residence hall doors locked.

For an out-of-state student, the same general safety precautions apply as they would for any student. But it's also important for out-of-state students to familiarize themselves with the campus and surrounding area in their first few weeks to get a feel for the environment. Remember, safety does not just occur; it requires everyone's active participation.

You can find more detailed safety statistics and information on the Penn State University Police and Public Safety website to ease your parents' concerns. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with any specific questions or concerns you have, too. They're very receptive and can provide more targeted advice and reassurances based on your specific concerns.