Student Life

An overview of graduate student life at the Penn State Smeal College of Business

Students in the Penn State Smeal master's programs in real estate and analysis development receive all of the comfort and benefits of a small, tight-knit learning community yet can leverage all of the support and resources from one of the largest research universities and alumni networks in the world. We hope you will be inspired to visit us to explore our town, our campus, and our program.

Life in Happy Valley

State College, Pennsylvania — lovingly referred to as "Happy Valley" — ranks among the top college towns in the nation for being student friendly and accessible. Our town offers a vibrant nightlife, theater and concert performances, a diverse array of spectator sports, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. In addition to taking advantage of the region's many activities, you can also access nearby surrounding metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Detroit by plane, bus or car.

The Center for the Performing Arts and the Bryce Jordan Center regularly host touring acts from around the world.
Local venues, such as The State Theatre, provide more intimate settings for both local and national entertainment.
The region is home to the State College Spikes, a minor league baseball team.
During the summer, the community hosts the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of Arts, commonly referred to as "Arts Fest," which is a 50-year tradition featuring artists and performers from across the country.
The area boasts plentiful outdoor activities, including an array of state and local parks, renowned hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and a ski resort.
The Central PA Tasting Trail features a growing selection of craft breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries.
Getting around town is easy with a convenient local bus system, on-campus parking, and even a rideshare program.
The area has an abundance of convenient and affordable housing options.

Life at Penn State

Penn State is among the top one percent of universities worldwide, and we have the largest alumni network in the world. The University Park campus, the largest campus in the Penn State system, is home to a diverse population of more than 46,000 students. We are known for both our academic rigor and our vibrant campus life. Whatever your passions and interests, you are sure to find an outlet at Penn State.

Penn State features one of the nation’s top intercollegiate athletic programs with legions of enthusiastic supporters, and an all-encompassing intramural program provides the opportunity to participate in recreation, sports, and fitness activities.
As the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, has donated more than $147,000,000 to Four Diamonds, a charity dedicated to conquering pediatric cancer.
Penn State is home to Berkey Creamery, the largest (and tastiest) university creamery in the U.S.
From theater companies and musical ensembles to professional societies and special interest clubs, Penn State offers hundreds of student organizations and clubs.

Life as a Smeal Graduate Student

Although the Penn State Smeal College of Business is among the largest business schools in the country, the intentionally small Smeal graduate class size guarantees unparalleled access to our top-ranked faculty and our team of professional staff. As a Smeal gradate student, you can expect to become an integral part of a tight-knit, collaborative community with opportunities to grow both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Smeal real estate graduate programs are based in the Business Building, a state-of-the-art facility with classrooms, team rooms, and a commons area dedicated to Smeal graduate students. Explore the Business Building by taking a 360 virtual tour.
In the Smeal graduate classroom, you will be challenged through experiential learning, case-based instruction, and collaborative team projects.
Smeal graduate students have numerous opportunities to participate in career fairs, conferences, and student organizations.
Smeal graduate students can build on their professional interests by collaborating with one of the many Smeal research centers and institutes.