Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
95.9% Acceptance Rate
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.9%Acceptance Rate
3.57Avg GPA
1158Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$28,501Annual Cost
$66,125Grad Salary
29.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.9%
Avg GPA
3.57
Avg SAT
1158
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1040–1255
ACT Middle 50%
19–32
Avg Net Price
$18,952
Need-Based Aid
29.1% receive Pell
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pitt-Johnstown), established in 1927, specializes in engineering, education, and natural sciences. Ranked for value and career outcomes in Pennsylvania.
The hillside campus features a robotics lab, wetlands reserve, and business innovation center. Its hands-on curriculum and small class sizes foster practical skills.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Acceptance Rate
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown runs an open-access admission policy. With a 95.9% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.12
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (2027/02/01 (priority scholarship consideration)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is 3.57. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.27 and 3.57? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.77–3.97.University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.57 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.37 – 3.56
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.17 – 3.36
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.16
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Pitt-Johnstown is a separate baccalaureate-granting regional campus with its own admissions committee and application, distinct from the Pittsburgh (Oakland) main campus, Greensburg, Bradford, and Titusville campuses.
- The Options Program allows students not admitted directly to Pittsburgh to enroll at Johnstown instead, with a defined (but not automatic) relocation path requiring major-specific GPA and coursework benchmarks.
- Pitt-Johnstown's nursing program was ranked top 10 in the U.S. in 2025; Nursing and Engineering admission require distinct high school coursework beyond general admission standards.
- An articulation agreement with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College guarantees AA-to-bachelor's transfer into any of 29 specific Pitt-Johnstown programs.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
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 University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Without SAT or ACT?
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Average SAT Score: 1158
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is 1158 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1158 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1255 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1040, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 575 | 520 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 573 | 520 | 625 |
| SAT Composite | 1158 | 1040 | 1255 |
Below 1040, you're behind most admitted students; at 1255 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown with a 1250 SAT?
A 1250 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 17 | 28 |
| ACT English | 25 | 19 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 19 | 32 |
Can I get into University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Getting into University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is the easy part. What matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.
Understand the Options Program as a Real Second Path Into "Pitt"
If you're not admitted directly to the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland (Pittsburgh) campus, the Options Program lets you enroll at Pitt-Johnstown instead, with a defined path to relocate to Pittsburgh later - no additional application documents required to be considered for Options. This is a legitimate, commonly used route into the Pitt system, not a consolation prize, but relocating later requires meeting a separate, major-specific GPA and coursework bar that isn't automatic.
Know the Exact Relocation Bar for Your Intended Major Before You Enroll
Relocating from Pitt-Johnstown to the Pittsburgh campus requires a minimum QPA that varies by target program - generally 3.0, but 3.5 for Bioengineering - plus specific completed coursework with grades of "C" or better (e.g., the Freshman Engineering Curriculum for engineering, or specific Economics and Calculus courses averaging 3.0 for Business). Map out exactly which courses and grades your target Pittsburgh program requires during your first semester at Johnstown, not once you're already trying to transfer.
Apply Early for the Guaranteed Admission Program If You're a Strong Senior
Highly qualified incoming students can secure guaranteed admission to select University of Pittsburgh graduate and professional programs through the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) at the point of first-year application - due to high demand, early application is recommended. If a specific Pitt graduate program is your long-term goal, ask directly whether it participates in GAP before you finalize your application timeline.
Community College Students: Use the Penn Highlands Articulation Agreement
Pitt-Johnstown guarantees transfer of a Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Associate of Arts degree into any of 29 specific bachelor's degree programs. If you're at Penn Highlands and considering Pitt-Johnstown, structure your AA coursework around one of these 29 guaranteed-transfer majors specifically, rather than a generic AA that may not map as cleanly.
Expert Insight:
Students and families sometimes assume that being admitted to "the University of Pittsburgh" through Options or direct Pitt-Johnstown admission is functionally the same as attending the Oakland campus, and that transferring there later is a formality. In reality, relocation requires hitting a specific GPA (often 3.0?3.5 depending on major) and completing named prerequisite courses with minimum grades - students who don't plan for this from day one can find themselves unable to relocate despite technically being "Pitt" students the whole time.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Profile
Full Name
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
City
Johnstown
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
15904
Type
Public
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $58,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.28%.
How much does a degree from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Cost?
The sticker price is $28,501/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $18,952.
29.1% of students receive a Pell Grant and 60.8% take federal loans at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. File your FAFSA early and list University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $66,125. That's about 63% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. 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 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Miami, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| 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 |
Degree Programs at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown run about $66,125 a year.
At about $28,501 a year, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is on the more affordable end.
About 29.1% receive a Pell Grant at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 95.9%, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown average a 3.57 GPA.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.27 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.17, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown — aim above 1158, ideally within the 1040–1255 range admitted students typically fall in.
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2027/02/01 (priority scholarship consideration). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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