Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DuBois, Pennsylvania
92.5% Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
92.5%Acceptance Rate
1130Avg SAT
$28,775Annual Cost
$63,435Grad Salary
25.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
92.5%
Avg SAT
1130
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1060–1250
Avg Net Price
$18,192
Need-Based Aid
25.4% receive Pell
Penn State DuBois, founded in 1935, is a Commonwealth Campus located on 15 acres in north-central Pennsylvania. The campus offers the first two years of all Penn State majors plus 4 bachelor's degrees that can be completed locally. DuBois features modern facilities including the DEF Building for science and technology and the Hiller 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.
DuBois' location provides internship opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and natural resource industries. The campus's Continuing Education department offers workforce training programs aligned with regional employer needs. DuBois' partnership with Lock Haven University enhances educational opportunities, while its STEM outreach programs serve local schools. The campus hosts cultural events including the annual Penn State DuBois Arts and Lecture Series.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois (Penn State) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 92.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
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 — 92.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois 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
⏳ 88 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 DuBois'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 DuBois (Penn State) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Penn State is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Penn State Without SAT or ACT?
Penn State 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 DuBois Average SAT Score: 1130
The average SAT score of admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois is 1130 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1130 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1250 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1060, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Penn State. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 573 | 520 | 625 |
| SAT Reading | 583 | 540 | 625 |
| SAT Composite | 1130 | 1060 | 1250 |
Below 1060, you're behind most admitted students; at 1250 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois (Penn State) with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of Penn State's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Penn State
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Penn State provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Understand the 2+2 Plan as the defining feature
About 60% of Penn State students use this path: start at a smaller campus like DuBois, then transition to another campus (or University Park) after meeting entrance-to-major requirements. Ask specifically which majors have a DuBois-specific pathway - e.g., Wildlife Technology's 2+2/3+1 plan into Wildlife and Fisheries Science at University Park.
Confirm entrance-to-major benchmarks early
Transitioning campuses requires meeting specific GPA/course benchmarks for the target major, reviewed with an adviser starting sophomore year. Ask about these benchmarks at initial enrollment, not at transition time.
Visit campus to waive the application fee
Penn State DuBois waives the application fee for students who visit campus. Time a planned visit to capture this benefit rather than paying the fee separately.
Target DuBois-specific scholarship funds directly
Nearly $800,000 in DuBois campus-specific scholarships are available, separate from university-wide funding. Ask the DuBois admissions office specifically rather than assuming only general Penn State scholarships apply.
Expert Insight:
A common mistake is choosing a starting campus based on convenience alone without confirming the specific major's 2+2 transition pathway exists from that campus. Not all majors transition identically - verify the specific pathway before committing to DuBois as a starting point.
Penn State Profile
Full Name
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois (Penn State)
City
DuBois
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
15801-2549
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Penn State Degree Worth It?
At $28,775/year against a $63,435 median graduate salary, Penn State is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $63,400, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.15%.
How much does a degree from Penn State Cost?
The sticker price is $28,775/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $18,192.
25.4% of students receive a Pell Grant and 53.3% take federal loans at Penn State. File your FAFSA early and list Penn State as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Penn State Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $63,435. That's 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 DuBois. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 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 the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois. 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 |
| 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 |
Degree Programs at Penn State
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois run about $63,435 a year.
At about $28,775 a year, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois is on the more affordable end.
About 25.4% receive a Pell Grant at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 92.5%, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
A strong SAT score matters at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois — aim above 1130, ideally within the 1060–1250 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois is November 1. Admission decisions are released by December 24. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 65. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is November 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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