Université PSL Paris Sciences et Lettres
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at PSL reflects both the advantages and challenges of a distributed university structure. Each component institution has its own campus, traditions, and community, meaning the PSL experience varies significantly depending on enrollment location. The Ecole Normale Superieure on Rue d'Ulm provides perhaps the most traditional campus experience, with residential housing and a defined community. Other institutions are more integrated into the urban fabric of Paris, with students dispersing across the city for housing. Paris itself serves as the campus in many ways, with students accessing world-class museums, libraries, cultural events, and the broader intellectual life of one of the world's great cities. The cost of this environment is substantial, with housing representing the primary financial challenge. Student rooms in university residences are scarce and highly sought after, while private rentals in Paris typically exceed 800 euros monthly for modest accommodations. Student organizations span institutional and university-wide levels. Academic and social clubs at each component institution provide immediate community, while PSL-wide initiatives create opportunities to meet students from other schools. The Junior Entreprise tradition, where students run consulting firms serving real clients, is particularly strong at several PSL institutions. The academic intensity at PSL leaves limited time for social activities during the school year, particularly for students in preparatory classes or competitive programs. Mental health support has received increased attention in recent years, though resources remain less developed than at American institutions. Students often describe the experience as transformative but demanding, requiring strong self-discipline and resilience.
Location & Surroundings
PSL institutions are distributed across Paris, with particularly strong presence in the Latin Quarter and the surrounding arrondissements. The Ecole Normale Superieure sits on the Rue d'Ulm near the Pantheon, while Paris-Dauphine occupies a site in the 16th arrondissement near the Bois de Boulogne. This distribution means PSL students navigate Paris extensively, developing deep familiarity with the city through daily movement between classes, libraries, and housing. Paris offers unmatched cultural and intellectual resources, from the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay to the Bibliotheque Nationale de France and countless specialized collections. Cafes, bookstores, and intellectual gatherings continue traditions that have sustained Parisian academic life for centuries. The city's scale and density mean that virtually everything a student might need is accessible by metro or on foot. The climate is temperate oceanic, with mild winters averaging 3-8 degrees Celsius and pleasant summers reaching 20-25 degrees. Rain is common throughout the year, making a good umbrella essential. The Paris metro system provides excellent public transportation, while the city's increasingly developed cycling infrastructure offers an alternative for navigating the relatively compact urban area. Cost of living in Paris is high by European standards, particularly for housing. Students should budget 1,200-1,500 euros monthly minimum for basic expenses, more for comfortable living. Part-time work opportunities exist but are constrained by demanding academic schedules. The Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports provide international connectivity, with high-speed rail links to other European capitals.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at PSL varies by institution and program, but remains low by international standards due to public funding. Standard national tuition rates apply at most component schools, approximately 170 euros annually for bachelor's programs and 243 euros for master's programs for EU students. Non-EU students may face higher rates at some institutions, typically in the range of 2,770-3,770 euros annually for master's programs. Certain professional programs, particularly at Paris-Dauphine, charge higher tuition that may reach 6,000-10,000 euros annually. Living costs in Paris represent the major financial consideration. Students should budget 10,000-15,000 euros annually for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. CAF (housing assistance) provides partial rent subsidies for eligible students, reducing costs somewhat. Scholarships are available through individual institutions, the French government, and various international programs. Career outcomes vary significantly by field and institution. Paris-Dauphine graduates enter finance, consulting, and corporate management positions with major employers. Ecole des Mines alumni join engineering firms, technology companies, and increasingly financial institutions. ENS graduates often pursue academic careers, though many transition to industry, government, and public policy roles. The Conservatoire prepares performers and composers for careers in music and dance. The PSL alumni network is extensive and influential, particularly within France. Graduates hold leadership positions across French business, government, academia, and cultural institutions. The grandes ecoles tradition emphasizes lifelong alumni connections, with network effects that significantly benefit career development. International graduates may find the network less helpful for careers outside France, though PSL's growing global reputation is changing this dynamic.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Université PSL Paris Sciences et Lettres
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free