Last Updated: Saturday June 06, 2026  Β·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) β€” Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited Β· Middle States Commission on Higher Education Erie, Pennsylvania 95.7% Acceptance Rate

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

πŸ“ Erie, Pennsylvania 16563-0001 πŸ›οΈ Main Campus 🌐 https://behrend.psu.edu/

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College β€” Admission Snapshot 2026

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

95.7%Acceptance Rate
3.49Avg GPA
1213Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$32,038Annual Cost
$63,435Grad Salary
26.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.7%
Avg GPA
3.49
Avg SAT
1213
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1110–1320
ACT Middle 50%
23–28
Avg Net Price
$22,951
Need-Based Aid
26.7% receive Pell

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, founded in 1948, is a comprehensive residential college of Penn State University located on a 854-acre suburban campus. Behrend offers 40+ undergraduate programs with strengths in engineering, business, and plastics technology, maintaining a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college features state-of-the-art facilities including the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center and the $30 million School of Engineering building. Behrend's bachelor's degrees are awarded by Penn State University, providing the value of a Big Ten education in a smaller college setting.

Behrend's location near Lake Erie provides unique freshwater research opportunities through the university's Great Lakes Research Center. The Lions compete in NCAA Division III athletics in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. The campus's Knowledge Park houses technology companies that collaborate with faculty and students, while its Burke Center for Entrepreneurship supports student startups. Behrend's winter weather research benefits from its location in Pennsylvania's snowbelt region.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Acceptance Rate

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 95.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
  • Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.

Selectivity at a Glance

Inclusive
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Inclusive β€” 95.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.49 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.29 – 3.48
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.04
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.

Behrend College GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Behrend College is 3.49. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.69-3.89 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.19 and 3.49, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Behrend College GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at Behrend College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.49, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.49 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.29 – 3.48
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.09 – 3.28
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.08
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • Do not treat this as an easier backup; competitive majors at satellite campuses are often full.
  • Focus on major-specific-prerequisites for all student content.
  • The Rigor Metric: At Behrend College, 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 Behrend College

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis β€” based on Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College'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

βœ… Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) 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 Behrend College Without SAT or ACT?

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College 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.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Average SAT Score: 1213

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is 1213 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1213 β€” Slightly Competitive

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1213 on the SAT.

SAT Math
605
SAT Reading
610
Composite
1213
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1320 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1110, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Behrend College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal β€” 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math605550660
SAT Reading610560660
SAT Composite121311101320

It means that if you have scored less than 1110 then you are below most of the admitted students at Behrend College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1320 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 1200

Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) with a 1300 SAT?

With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) are good but the admission staff at Behrend College 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.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Behrend College is 26.

ACT Competitiveness

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 β€” Competitive

This score makes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math262328
ACT English242127
ACT Composite262328

Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College with a 28 ACT?

A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College β€” 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College 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 β€” English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science β€” 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College β€” like most US universities β€” 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College 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 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter β€” but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 26

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Behrend College

Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer

Behrend College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.

Major-Specific Entry

Entrance is not just to the college; it is often competitive by major. Ensure you have the required prerequisites for your specific degree.

2+2 Strategy

If aiming for University Park, confirm your specific major is supported by the 2+2 program at Behrend.

Transcript Rigor

They value hard math/science courses for STEM applicants; dont shy away from your schools hardest classes.

Professional Intent

Be clear about why this major and why this campus; they want students who have a focused professional goal.

Expert Insight: They prioritize rigorous, major-specific academic performance and professional readiness.

Behrend College Profile

Full Name
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College (Behrend College)
City
Erie
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
16563-0001
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)

Is a Behrend College Degree Worth It?

Getting into Behrend College 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. Behrend College 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 Behrend College is $63,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.15%.

How much does a degree from Behrend College Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is $32,038. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is $22,951.

26.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 56.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Behrend College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Behrend College as your choice in the form.

How much does a Behrend College Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,435. An average Behrend College 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.

$32,038Annual Cost
$22,951Net Price
26.7%Pell Grant
56.7%Federal Loan
$63,435Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, AL 1197 24
Samford University Birmingham, AL 1203 26
University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 1174 25
Harding University Searcy, AR 1187 25
Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA 1194 26
Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT 1200 NA
University of New Haven West Haven, CT 1190 NA
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL 1182 25
Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA 1178 25
Spelman College Atlanta, GA 1184 24
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Mobile Mobile, AL 1220 24
Samford University Birmingham, AL 1203 26
John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR 1222 26
Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR 1212 25
University of Hartford West Hartford, CT 1207 29
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL 1251 26
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 1287 28
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 1261 26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ 1256 27
Biola University La Mirada, CA 1258 27

Degree Programs at Behrend College

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College β†’

Frequently Asked Questions About Behrend College Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63,435 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $32,038 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

26.7% 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is 95.7% 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 3.49. 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 3.19, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.19, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.09 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 3.49, 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1213 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1110–1320.

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: Saturday June 06, 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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