William Penn University, founded in 1873 by Quaker settlers, maintains its peace testimony tradition while offering career-focused programs. Home to Iowa's only four-year industrial technology degree.
The 60-acre campus includes the newly renovated Penn Activity Center, agricultural learning labs, and innovative trades education facilities. Service learning is integrated across all academic programs.
William Penn University Acceptance Rate
William Penn University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of William Penn University is 57.01%. This means that 57 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
William Penn University Admission Requirements
William Penn University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at William Penn University is 3. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A’s, B’s, and some C’s is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is between 2.7 and 3, aim for a strong standardized test score.
William Penn University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at William Penn University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.80 – 2.99 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.60 – 2.79 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.59 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At William Penn University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
William Penn University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
William Penn University Average SAT Score: 996
The average SAT score of the admitted students at William Penn University is 996 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 996 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1100 SAT or 22 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. William Penn University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 830, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to William Penn University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 475 | 390 | 560 |
| SAT Reading | 490 | 440 | 540 |
| SAT Composite | 996 | 830 | 1100 |
It means that if you have scored less than 830 then you are below most of the admitted students at William Penn University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1100 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into William Penn University with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at William Penn University are good but the admission staff at William Penn University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
William Penn University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at William Penn University is 19.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes William Penn University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 19 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 15 | 23 |
| ACT English | 17 | 13 | 21 |
| ACT Composite | 19 | 16 | 22 |
Can I get into William Penn University with a 22 ACT?
With a 22 ACT Score, your chances of admission at William Penn University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 19.William Penn University Profile
Name: William Penn University
City: Oskaloosa
State: Iowa
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 52577
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Can I Get Into William Penn University Without SAT Or ACT?: William Penn University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from William Penn University Worth It?
Getting into William Penn University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. William Penn University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at William Penn University is USD: 58579.66 and unemployment rate is 3.18%.
How much does a degree from William Penn University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at William Penn University is USD: 40749. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at William Penn University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
45.58% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 88.18 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to William Penn University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At William Penn University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist William Penn University as your choice in the form.
How much a William Penn University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 48936. An average William Penn University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than William Penn University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 950 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | University of Hawaii-West Oahu, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Judson University | Judson University, IL | 985 | 20 |
| Rockford University | Rockford University, IL | 984 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as William Penn University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1005 | 22 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | College of Coastal Georgia, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 994 | 21 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Georgia Southwestern State University, GA | 998 | 19 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than William Penn University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1050 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Criminology
Frequently Asked Questions About William Penn University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48936 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $40749 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of William Penn University is 57.01 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.7, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.7 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.6 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to William Penn University if my GPA is below 2.6
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to William Penn University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 996 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 830-1100
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by William Penn University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.