Penn State New Kensington, founded in 1958, is a Commonwealth Campus of Penn State University located in western Pennsylvania's Alle-Kiski Valley. The campus offers 10+ bachelor's degree programs that can be completed locally, along with the first two years of 275+ Penn State majors. New Kensington features modern facilities including the Digital Arts and Media Studio and the Engineering and Science Building, maintaining a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus's '2+2' program allows students to begin their Penn State education close to home before transitioning to University Park or another campus.
New Kensington's location provides internship opportunities with Pittsburgh-area technology and manufacturing companies. The campus's Digital Foundry supports entrepreneurship and workforce development in advanced manufacturing. New Kensington's Veterans Center serves military-affiliated students, while its STEM outreach programs engage local K-12 schools. The campus's small size fosters close student-faculty relationships within the Penn State system.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington (Penn State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 93.31%, 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.
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 New Kensington Admission Requirements
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington (Penn State) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington Average SAT Score: 1133
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington is 1133 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1133 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1030, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Penn State. 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 | 580 | 530 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 500 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1133 | 1030 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1030 then you are below most of the admitted students at Penn State and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 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 1150
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington (Penn State) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington (Penn State) are good but the admission staff at Penn State 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 New Kensington (Penn State) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Penn State is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington 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 | 25 | 23 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 22 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 25 | 27 |
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington with a 27 ACT?
With a 27 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington 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 26.Penn State Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington (Penn State)
City: New Kensington
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 15068-1765
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from Penn State Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington is USD: 27036. 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 New Kensington is USD: 19522
How can I get a scholarship?
31.52% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 54.35 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Penn State and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Penn State as your choice in the form.
How much a Penn State Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 63435. An average Penn State 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | University of the Ozarks, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho | Brigham Young University-Idaho, ID | 1123 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $63435 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27036 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington is 93.31 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1133 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1030-1270
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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State New Kensington.
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.