Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Dallas, Pennsylvania
94.5% Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.5%Acceptance Rate
1145Avg SAT
$24,604Annual Cost
$63,435Grad Salary
38.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.5%
Avg SAT
1145
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1060–1305
Avg Net Price
$15,775
Need-Based Aid
38.3% receive Pell
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
Admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is inclusive by design. 94.5% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 94.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre 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
⏳ 90 days left — Priority Freshman
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Wilkes-Barre 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at Wilkes-Barre
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Wilkes-Barre. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Wilkes-Barre Without SAT or ACT?
Wilkes-Barre considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Average SAT Score: 1145
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre average a 1145 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1145 — Less Competitive
A 1145 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1305 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1060? A retake is worth it at Wilkes-Barre. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
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 |
A score under 1060 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1305+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
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?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in Wilkes-Barre's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Wilkes-Barre
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Wilkes-Barre's open-access model means the real strategic decisions happen after enrollment: course planning, advising, and whether to transfer later.
Do not build a roadmap around this campus - it is closing
Penn State's Board of Trustees voted to close Wilkes-Barre (along with DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, and York) after the spring 2027 semester. The campus stopped accepting new and transfer students after fall 2025. Any student targeting this campus needs to be redirected before further work is done.
Redirect toward a continuing Commonwealth Campus instead
Penn State is preserving long-term investment in 13 other Commonwealth Campuses (Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton) - steer the student toward the general Penn State first-year application and let them select a currently-admitting location instead.
If already enrolled, use the 2+2 Plan transition path
Students currently enrolled at Wilkes-Barre follow the University's 2+2 Plan to begin coursework there and transition to another Penn State campus by the end of the 2026-27 academic year; if the family has a student already partway through, the counseling conversation is about transition logistics, not new admission strategy.
Check tuition-differential grant eligibility for currently enrolled students
Students enrolled in a four-year program at a closing campus with at least 60 completed credits, continuous enrollment, and good academic standing qualify for a grant covering any tuition/fee difference at their new campus, good for up to three years or until graduation.
Expert Insight:
Third-party college-data sites (CollegeSimply, Niche, CampusReel) still show Wilkes-Barre's normal acceptance rate and stats as if it's open for new applicants - relying on those aggregator sites instead of checking wilkesbarre.psu.edu directly will lead a counselor to build a roadmap for a campus not accepting new students.
Wilkes-Barre Profile
Full Name
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre (Wilkes-Barre)
City
Dallas
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
18627-0217
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Wilkes-Barre Degree Worth It?
At $24,604/year against a $63,435 median graduate salary, Wilkes-Barre is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $63,400, and graduates see a 3.15% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Wilkes-Barre Cost?
Listed tuition runs $24,604/year at Wilkes-Barre. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $15,775.
At Wilkes-Barre, 38.3% receive a Pell Grant and 55.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Wilkes-Barre on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Wilkes-Barre Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Wilkes-Barre graduates report a median income of $63,435, about 56% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, 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, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Wilkes-Barre
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes-Barre Admissions
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre graduates earn a moderate median salary of $63,435/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is relatively affordable, around $24,604/year.
38.3% of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre's acceptance rate is 94.5%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1145, and within the 1060–1305 range, keeps you competitive.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre's deadline is November 1, with decisions out by December 24. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre charges an application fee of 65; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before November 1, 2026. That's Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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