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 92.2%, 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 York Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (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 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: 1170
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 (1270 SAT or 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 1070, 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 | 590 | 540 | 640 |
| SAT Reading | 580 | 530 | 630 |
| SAT Composite | 1170 | 1070 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1070 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 1270 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 York (Penn State) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 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.
Penn State Profile
Name: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York (Penn State)
City: York
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 17403-3326
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Can I Get Into Penn State Without SAT Or ACT?: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from Penn State 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 USD: 63381.69 and 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 York is USD: 26812. 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: 18922
How can I get a scholarship?
27.85% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 48.95 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 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, 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 York. 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 York. 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
- 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?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26812 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 York is 92.2 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 York 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 1070-1270
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 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.