Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
74.6% Acceptance Rate
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
74.6%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1086Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,781Annual Cost
$53,032Grad Salary
28.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
74.6%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1086
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
980–1190
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$19,524
Need-Based Aid
28.1% receive Pell
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1889, is known for education and health professions programs. The campus includes the new Performing Arts Center. SRU's 'Rock Integrated Studies' curriculum emphasizes connections.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is moderately selective. 74.6% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 74.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 175 days left — Priority Freshman
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 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.
Priority Freshman
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) 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.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is 3.5. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.20 and 3.5? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.70–3.90.Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Automatic admission for applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher; general admission does not require an essay, though specific competitive programs (e.g., Athletic Training) do.
- Acceptance rate has shown real year-to-year volatility - reported as low as 48.8% in 2024 versus 71-75% in other recent cycles - confirm the current figure rather than relying on an older or averaged number.
- Part of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); hosts an Army ROTC branch unit on campus.
- Living-Learning Communities group some freshmen by major for housing, with early move-in opportunities tied to this program specifically.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
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 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
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.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Without SAT or ACT?
Test scores are mandatory at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Book your SAT/ACT dates early and plan on a retake if your score comes in under the averages below.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Average SAT Score: 1086
Admitted students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania average a 1086 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1086 — Accessible
A 1086 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 980? A retake is worth it at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 540 | 490 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 490 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1086 | 980 | 1190 |
A score under 980 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1190+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ACT Requirements
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a 25 ACT?
At 25, you're in the top quarter of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Check the 3.25 GPA automatic-admission threshold before assigning any extra application work
SRU grants automatic admission to applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher, a specific published cutoff rather than a vague "strong grades help" guideline. Confirm a student's GPA against this exact threshold first, since it determines whether they need to invest time in additional supporting materials at all for general admission.
For Athletic Training applicants, treat the program-specific process as a separate, demanding track
Unlike general admission, SRU's Athletic Training program requires observation hours, essays, and interviews as part of a genuinely competitive secondary review - a meaningfully heavier lift than the minimal requirements for majors like Math, which need little beyond declaring and maintaining GPA. Build a separate, earlier timeline for Athletic Training applicants rather than assuming SRU's overall accessible reputation applies uniformly across majors.
Don't quote a single acceptance rate with false confidence - SRU's rate has swung dramatically year to year
SRU's acceptance rate has varied unusually widely in recent cycles (48.8% in 2024 versus 71-75% in surrounding years), a real fluctuation rather than typical source disagreement. Pull the most recent year's figure directly from SRU or a recent Common Data Set rather than averaging across years or citing an older number, since the underlying selectivity appears to be genuinely shifting.
Highlight the Living-Learning Communities for students who want an early social and academic anchor
SRU groups some freshmen by major into Living-Learning Communities with early move-in opportunities - a structural feature that pairs roommate placement with academic interest rather than leaving it to chance. Mention this specifically to students anxious about the social transition to college, since it's a concrete, named program rather than generic "great freshman dorms" framing.
Expert Insight:
Don't assume SRU's accessible overall acceptance rate extends to every program - competitive tracks like Athletic Training (and certain health-science or graduate-linked programs) carry their own essay, interview, and observation-hour requirements that function more like a selective secondary admission than the general university process.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Profile
Full Name
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
City
Slippery Rock
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
16057-1383
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Degree Worth It?
At $24,781/year against a $53,032 median graduate salary, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $54,100, and graduates see a 3.26% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Cost?
Listed tuition runs $24,781/year at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $19,524.
At Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 28.1% receive a Pell Grant and 60.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates report a median income of $53,032, about 31% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, 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 |
Degree Programs at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Admissions
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates earn a moderate median salary of $53,032/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is relatively affordable, around $24,781/year.
28.1% of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate is 74.6%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania students is 3.5, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.2 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.1 or below makes admission tougher at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1086, and within the 980–1190 range, keeps you competitive.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's deadline is February 1. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania charges an application fee of 45; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 1, 2026. That's Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Pennsylvania Colleges
Average SAT Score of Pennsylvania Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Pennsylvania
Bachelor Programs in Pennsylvania
Test Optional Colleges in Pennsylvania
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Pennsylvania