Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 55.21%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS and the 2025-2026 Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Admission Requirements
Penn State GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Penn State utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 0, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| -0.20 – -0.01 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| -0.40 – -0.21 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below -0.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Penn State, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (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-Main Campus Average SAT Score: 1308
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is 1308 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1308 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1390 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1210, 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 660 | 610 | 710 |
| SAT Reading | 640 | 600 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1308 | 1210 | 1390 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1210 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 1390 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 1300
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (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-Main Campus (Penn State) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Penn State is 29.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 31 |
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 29.Penn State Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State)
City: University Park
URL: https://www.psu.edu/
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 16802-1503
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-Main Campus is USD: 38049. 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-Main Campus is USD: 32223
How can I get a scholarship?
13.79% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.78 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-Main Campus, 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 Penn State 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-Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1258 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1290 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1309 | 29 |
| Covenant College | Covenant College, GA | 1315 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Agricultural Public Services
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences
- Agriculture, General
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $38049 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is 55.21 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 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Answer: Admission to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1308 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1210-1390
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Answer: The campus culture at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
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-Main Campus.
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.