Shiraz University, formerly known as Pahlavi University, is a public university located in Shiraz, Iran. In the latest ranking of Iranian universities based on scientific output, Shiraz University is listed among the top three research-oriented schools in the nation. In the first report of state universities ranking and among almost 70 universities and higher education institutes, Shiraz University is ranked as level 1.The University of Pennsylvania assisted the Iranian government in establishing American-style higher education at the university. Penn thus became highly influential in shaping many of Pahlavi University's departments and institutions. Shiraz University has the second-biggest campus in Iran. It was initially designed by American architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the World Trade Center.Shiraz University has pioneered the establishment of doctoral programs in Iran. Presently the university has over 20,000 students, with 200 bachelor's degree programs, 300 master's degree programs, one professional degree program, and 150 Ph.D. programs.Shiraz University is well known as a tough university with low GPA specially in Electrical and Mechanical engineering. Even universities like Sharif University of Technology and University of Tehran are not tough to the extent of Shiraz University. That’s why many students of Shiraz University believe their grades do not reflect their academic performance.