Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Dunmore, Pennsylvania
94.9% Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
94.9%Acceptance Rate
1190Avg SAT
$27,126Annual Cost
$63,435Grad Salary
43.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
94.9%
Avg SAT
1190
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1070–1280
Avg Net Price
$18,934
Need-Based Aid
43.3% receive Pell
Penn State Scranton, established in 1923, is a Commonwealth Campus located on 45 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania. The campus offers 10+ bachelor's degrees that can be completed locally, plus the first two years of all Penn State majors. Scranton features modern facilities including the Dawson Building for science and technology and the Study Learning Center, maintaining a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus's '2+2' program allows students to begin their Penn State education close to home.
Scranton's location provides internship opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. The campus's Business and Economic Development Center supports regional entrepreneurs, while its Continuing Education department offers workforce training programs. Scranton's partnership with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine enhances health sciences education. The campus hosts cultural events including the annual Penn State Downtown Lecture Series.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton (Penn State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 94.9%, 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 — 94.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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 Scranton Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton 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
⏳ 101 days left — Priority Freshman
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Penn State 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 Penn State
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton'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
⚠️ 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 Scranton (Penn State) 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 Penn State Without SAT or ACT?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton 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 Scranton Average SAT Score: 1190
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton is 1190 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1190 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1190 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1070, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Penn State. 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 | 585 | 530 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Composite | 1190 | 1070 | 1280 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1070 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 1280 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 Scranton (Penn State) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton (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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Penn State
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Penn State provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
List Scranton as Your Named Alternate-Choice Campus
Penn State requires applicants to name both a first-choice and an alternate-choice starting campus, and many students end up admitted to their alternate. If your real target is University Park or a competitive major, listing Scranton as your alternate is a legitimate, university-sanctioned way to guarantee entry into the Penn State system (Scranton's acceptance rate runs around 99%) while preserving a path to your first choice through the 2+2 Plan later.
Map Your Target Major's Entrance-to-Major Requirements Before You Register for Classes
Moving from Scranton to University Park under the 2+2 Plan doesn't require reapplying, but it does require meeting your intended major's specific Entrance-to-Major (ETM) criteria - and these vary significantly: competitive programs like nursing, business, and engineering often demand a GPA well above Scranton's own admission bar. Meet with your academic adviser in your very first semester, name your target major and destination campus explicitly, and build your two-year course schedule around the exact ETM thresholds rather than a generic "good GPA" goal.
Write the Optional Essay Anyway - and Name Scranton Specifically
Penn State's personal statement is optional (and it accepts your Common App essay as the submission), but writing one that references Scranton's actual programs - its nursing program, business building, or its identity as a small commuter campus - signals genuine engagement that a generic "why Penn State" essay doesn't. Given how non-selective Scranton's admission is, this costs little effort but helps at the margins for scholarship consideration.
Verify Scranton's Continuing Status, Then Apply by November 1
As of the Board of Trustees' May 2026 decision, Scranton is one of the 13 Commonwealth Campuses Penn State committed to keep investing in long-term - not one of the 7 campuses closing after the 2026-27 academic year. Apply confidently by the November 1 Early Action deadline for the best odds and earliest decision (by December 24), since rolling review afterward fills competitive majors and University Park slots on a space-available basis.
Expert Insight:
Students often treat the 2+2 Plan as an automatic escalator to University Park, but Entrance-to-Major requirements differ sharply by program - a student who coasts through their first two years at Scranton without checking their target major's specific GPA and prerequisite thresholds can find themselves rerouted into the University Exploration program rather than their intended major, since ETM criteria are enforced regardless of how easy admission to Scranton itself was.
Penn State Profile
Full Name
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton (Penn State)
City
Dunmore
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
18512-1602
Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Penn State Degree Worth It?
Getting into Penn State 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. Penn State 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 Penn State is $63,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.15%.
How much does a degree from Penn State Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton is $27,126. 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 Scranton is $18,934.
43.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 57.8 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 Scranton, 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 does a Penn State Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $63,435. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| 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 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton. 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 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Penn State
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State 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 relatively low, around $27,126 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
43.3% 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 Scranton is 94.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Admission to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1190 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1070–1280.
The application deadline for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton 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 Scranton 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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