Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto, founded in 1903, is one of Penn State's oldest Commonwealth Campuses, known for its forestry and nursing programs. Nestled in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania, it features scenic surroundings, updated labs, and a student-centered learning environment.
As a top regional college, Mont Alto combines hands-on learning with small class sizes, offering direct pathways to Penn State's flagship programs while maintaining a strong focus on student success and career readiness.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto (Penn State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 90.3%, 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 Mont Alto Admission Requirements
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto (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-Penn State Mont Alto Average SAT Score: 1170
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto is 1170 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 1170 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1230 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1080, 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.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 570 | 530 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 585 | 550 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1170 | 1080 | 1230 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 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 1230 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 Mont Alto (Penn State) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto (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.
Penn State Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto (Penn State)
City: Mont Alto
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 17237-9700
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-Penn State Mont Alto is USD: 28851. 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 Mont Alto is USD: 19993
How can I get a scholarship?
26.12% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.39 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 Mont Alto, 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 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-Penn State Mont Alto. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii Pacific University, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | The College of Idaho, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | North Central College, IL | 1165 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1224 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- History
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Information Science/Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto 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 $28851 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 good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto is 90.3 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 Mont Alto is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1170 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080-1230
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 Mont Alto.
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.