Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Penn State
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
⚠️ 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 Mont Alto (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 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.
If your score is below 1080, 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 | 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.
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.
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Penn State that connect directly to the local job market.
Penn State Profile
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 Mont Alto is $28,851. 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 $19,993.
26.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.4 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 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 Mont Alto. 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 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 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 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, 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 | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
Degree Programs at Penn State
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Mont Alto →
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 $28,851 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
26.1% 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 Mont Alto is 90.3% 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 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.
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.
