Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
William Penn University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Higher Learning Commission Oskaloosa, Iowa 57% Acceptance Rate

William Penn University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.wmpenn.edu/

William Penn University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

57%Acceptance Rate
3Avg GPA
996Avg SAT
19Avg ACT
$40,749Annual Cost
$48,936Grad Salary
45.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
57%
Avg GPA
3
Avg SAT
996
Avg ACT
19
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
830–1100
ACT Middle 50%
16–22
Need-Based Aid
45.6% receive Pell

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%. 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.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective
William Penn University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 57% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.00 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.80 – 2.99
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.55
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

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 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.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.20-3.40 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 2.70 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.

Check Your Admission Chances at William Penn University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on William Penn University's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

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 2026 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.

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.

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

William Penn University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 996 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 996 on the SAT.

SAT Math
475
SAT Reading
490
Composite
996
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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at William Penn University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for William Penn University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math475390560
SAT Reading490440540
SAT Composite9968301100

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

William Penn University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 19 — Less Competitive

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

ACT score percentiles for William Penn University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math191523
ACT English171321
ACT Composite191622

Can I get into William Penn University with a 22 ACT?

A 22 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at William Penn University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at William Penn University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that William Penn University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether William Penn University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 22 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 19

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for William Penn University

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

William Penn University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at William Penn University to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

William Penn University Profile

Full Name
William Penn University
City
Oskaloosa
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
52577
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)

Is a William Penn University Degree 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 $58,600 and the graduate 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 $40,749. 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.

45.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 88.2 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 does a William Penn University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $48,936. 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 $40,595.

$40,749Annual Cost
45.6%Pell Grant
88.2%Federal Loan
$48,936Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Delaware State University Dover, DE 984 24
Clayton State University Morrow, GA 973 18
Gordon State College Barnesville, GA 950 18
University of Hawaii-West Oahu Kapolei, HI 973 18
Judson University Elgin, IL 985 20
Rockford University Rockford, IL 984 20
Same Competitive

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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1005 22
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, GA 994 19
College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA 1001 18
Columbus State University Columbus, GA 994 21
Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA 998 19
More Competitive

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.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21
Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR 1050 21
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, AR 1050 20

Degree Programs at William Penn University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by William Penn University →

Frequently Asked Questions About William Penn University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48,936 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $40,749 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

45.6% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of William Penn University is 57% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

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 are 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.

If your GPA is 2.6 or less, it may make 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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