Question 1

Is Penn State a good company to work for?

Accepted Answer

Penn State has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 5,429 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 1% over the last 12 months. 77% of employees would recommend working at Penn State to a friend and 55% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Penn State have been left by employees working as Student Grader, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and Lab Assistant.

Question 2

Does Penn State pay their employees well?

Accepted Answer

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Penn State employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.6 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Penn State. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.

Question 3

How satisfied are employees working at Penn State?

Accepted Answer

77% of Penn State employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated Penn State 4.0 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.0 for culture and values and 3.7 for career opportunities.

Question 4

What are the top reviewed jobs at Penn State?

Accepted Answer

Graduate Research Assistant (390), Research Assistant (322), Teaching Assistant (95), Graduate Student (74), Graduate Teaching Assistant (71), Graduate Assistant (68), Intern (53), Postdoctoral Scholar (48), Assistant Professor (46), Student Worker (44), Undergraduate Research Assistant (44), Postdoctoral Fellow (43), PhD Student (39), Learning Assistant (38), Postdoctoral Researcher (35)

Question 5

What are the pros of working at Penn State according to real employee reviews?

Accepted Answer

"Great benefits and protected by the union is a plus" ((in 303 reviews)); "The people are great and friendly" ((in 268 reviews)); "The hours are flexible and you can choose when you want to come into lab as long as you get your work done." ((in 190 reviews)); "Nice and friendly staff." ((in 94 reviews)); "Good work environment and lots of learning." ((in 93 reviews))

Question 6

What are the cons of working at Penn State according to real employee reviews?

Accepted Answer

"Very low pay and no chance for a raise unless you change jobs within the university." ((in 333 reviews)); "2， salary is low" ((in 178 reviews)); "poor management and sometimes toxic" ((in 74 reviews)); "Lack of diversity (do not let the awards fool you)" ((in 25 reviews)); "Senior leadership won't invest in fixing root causes." ((in 20 reviews))

Question 7

What are employees saying about Penn State layoffs in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Penn State layoffs and their outlook for job security at Penn State in 2026.

Question 8

What are the top reviewed Penn State locations?

Accepted Answer

State College, University Park, Erie, Penn State University, Hershey, Harrisburg, Abington, Philadelphia, Altoona, Malvern, Middletown, Penn, Pittsburgh, Reading, York, Media, Monaca, Scranton, Allentown, New York, Lancaster, Washington, Center Valley, McKeesport, University Park, Los Angeles, Schuylkill Haven, University Park, Reston, Stroudsburg

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Always remember you are replaceable.

Paid Research Assistant position - good, though limited

No regard to work/life balance, low pay, total disregard for staff

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