Penn State Wilkes-Barre, founded in 1916, is a Commonwealth Campus located on 59 acres in the Pocono Mountains region. The campus offers 8 bachelor's degrees that can be completed locally, plus the first two years of all Penn State majors. Wilkes-Barre features specialized facilities including the Friedman Observatory and the Engineering and Science Building, maintaining a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus's '2+2' program provides a smooth transition to Penn State's University Park or other campuses.
Wilkes-Barre's location provides internship opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism industries. The campus's Continuing Education center offers professional development programs for working adults. Wilkes-Barre's partnership with the Luzerne County Community College facilitates transfer pathways, while its STEM outreach programs serve local schools. The campus's observatory hosts public stargazing events, reflecting its commitment to community engagement.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 94.53%, 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 Wilkes-Barre Admission Requirements
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre) 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 Wilkes-Barre Average SAT Score: 1145
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is 1145 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 1145 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1305 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1060, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Wilkes-Barre. 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 | 588 | 530 | 645 |
| SAT Reading | 595 | 530 | 660 |
| SAT Composite | 1145 | 1060 | 1305 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1060 then you are below most of the admitted students at Wilkes-Barre and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1305 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 Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre) are good but the admission staff at Wilkes-Barre 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.
Wilkes-Barre Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre)
City: Dallas
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 18627-0217
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from Wilkes-Barre Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is USD: 24604. 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 Wilkes-Barre is USD: 15775
How can I get a scholarship?
38.29% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 55.92 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wilkes-Barre and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wilkes-Barre as your choice in the form.
How much a Wilkes-Barre Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 63435. An average Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| 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 La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FL | 1100 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre. 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 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre 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 $24604 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 Wilkes-Barre is 94.53 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 Wilkes-Barre is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1145 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1060-1305
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 Wilkes-Barre.
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.