Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York, established in 1926, blends small-campus intimacy with the prestige of a Big Ten institution. Situated in York, Pennsylvania, it offers modern engineering labs, a performing arts center, and strong industry partnerships.
Recognized for value and transfer opportunities, York prepares students for careers in tech, business, and healthcare, with seamless transitions to Penn State's main campus and a focus on applied learning.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York Acceptance Rate
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (Penn State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 92.87%, 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 and the 2025-2026 Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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-Penn State York (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 York Average SAT Score: 1194
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is 1194 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1194 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1090, 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-Penn State York SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 600 | 550 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 595 | 540 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1194 | 1090 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1090 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 1300 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 York (Penn State) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (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-Penn State York (Penn State) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Penn State is 25.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 25 on the ACT.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 25 | 27 |
| ACT English | 25 | 24 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 23 | 26 |
Can I get into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York with a 26 ACT?
With a 26 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 25.Penn State Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (Penn State)
City: York
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 17403-3326
Campus: Branch Campus
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 York is USD: 26650. 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 York is USD: 19080
How can I get a scholarship?
28.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46.85 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 York, 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-Penn State York. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
| Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
| Regis University | Regis University, CO | 1149 | 24 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1180 | NA |
| University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
| Ball State University | Ball State University, IN | 1191 | 26 |
| Iowa State University | Iowa State University, IA | 1197 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Animal Sciences
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- English Language and Literature, General
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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-Penn State York?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26650 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York?
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-Penn State York?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is 92.87 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-Penn State York?
Answer: Admission to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1194 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1090-1300
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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-Penn State York?
Answer: The campus culture at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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-Penn State York?
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 York.
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.