Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Erie, Pennsylvania
95.7% Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College — 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
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of November 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 108 days left — Priority Freshman
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Behrend College reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority Freshman
November 1
Decision by: December 24
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
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
- Behrend offers 38 four-year degree programs (some unique to the entire Penn State system, like Plastics Engineering Technology), plus four master's and four associate degrees, alongside the 2+2 pathway into virtually any Penn State major.
- Several Penn State Commonwealth campuses are closing after Spring 2027 (DuBois, Fayette, New Kensington, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, York) as part of a system-wide restructuring - Behrend is not one of them, but this reflects a broader current change worth knowing about the Penn State campus network.
- Test-optional admission with a median SAT of 1220 and median ACT of 27 among those who do submit - scores can still matter for merit scholarship review even when not required for the admission decision itself.
- Behrend's 854-acre campus includes Knowledge Park, an on-campus research and development complex, and the James R. Meehl Innovation Commons makerspace - genuine hands-on infrastructure distinguishing it from a typical small branch campus.
- 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 — based on Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College's verified institutional data
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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.
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
SAT 1213 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1213 on the SAT.
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 — 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 605 | 550 | 660 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 560 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1213 | 1110 | 1320 |
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
ACT 26 — 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
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 24 | 21 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 23 | 28 |
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 — 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 — 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College — 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 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 — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
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.
Consider Behrend's 2+2 pathway as a genuine strategic entry point into competitive Penn State majors, not a "lesser" branch-campus compromise
Behrend lets students begin nearly any of Penn State's 275+ majors at the Erie campus and finish at University Park or another campus, with students generally declaring their major and requesting Change of Campus near the end of their second year. If your target major is highly competitive at University Park directly, applying to start at Behrend and transferring in via the 2+2 pathway can be a genuinely different, less competitive entry route into the same eventual Penn State degree - research whether your intended major participates in this pathway before assuming University Park is your only option.
If you're drawn to plastics or polymer engineering, know Behrend offers something literally unavailable anywhere else in the Penn State system
Behrend's B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology is the only plastics-specific undergraduate degree in the entire Penn State system and one of just six ABET-accredited programs in the United States, housed in the largest undergraduate plastics processing lab in the country. If materials science, polymer engineering, or manufacturing genuinely interests you, name this specific program in your application rather than a generic "engineering" interest - it's a structural rarity that admissions readers will recognize as a deliberate, informed choice rather than a fallback.
Don't assume test-optional status means test scores don't matter at all for scholarship consideration - submit them if they're strong
Behrend accepts applications without SAT/ACT scores (test-optional), but middle-50% data shows admitted students scoring 1110-1320 SAT or 25-31 ACT, suggesting scores can still meaningfully support merit scholarship consideration even when not required for admission itself. If your scores fall at or above the middle-50% range, submit them specifically for scholarship review even if you'd otherwise go test-optional for the base admission decision.
If you're interested in the Black School of Business, know Behrend's Financial Trading Lab with live Bloomberg Terminals is a genuine hands-on differentiator worth naming specifically
Behrend's business students train on Bloomberg Terminals in a dedicated Financial Trading Lab - real-time market-data access that's uncommon at a branch-campus scale. If finance or business analytics is your intended major, reference this specific facility in your application materials or admissions conversations to demonstrate you've researched Behrend's actual infrastructure rather than treating it as a generic "smaller Penn State campus."
Expert Insight:
Because Penn State Behrend has a very high overall acceptance rate (nearly 97%) and is broadly perceived as an easy "safety" entry point into the Penn State system, applicants sometimes treat their application with less care than they would for University Park directly - but Behrend's own students report that the admissions process evaluates them "as a real person, not just a set of numbers," suggesting personal statement quality and demonstrated fit still carry real weight even at high acceptance rates. Note also that several other Penn State Commonwealth campuses (DuBois, Fayette, New Kensington, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, York) are scheduled for closure after Spring 2027 - Behrend is not among them, but this system-wide restructuring is worth being aware of if comparing Penn State campus options.
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.
Compare Similar Colleges
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
The application deadline for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is November 1. Admission decisions are released by December 24. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is 65. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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