Most students applying for Penn State University programs focus on the tuition rates and program availability. The Penn State University acceptance rate is often overlooked, but it is crucial to consider before applying to any university. A school’s admission statistics show prospective students’ chances of being admitted into the school.
Penn State provides world-class education and is one of the largest universities in the world, with over 70,000 school students. Its main University Park campus houses 20 campuses in Pennsylvania alone. The online Penn State World Campus boasts over 15,000 students from all over the world.
Before you fill out your college application, read this guide to learn about the Penn State University acceptance rate. You should also know all the Penn State University admissions requirements and deadlines.
Is Penn State University Easy to Get Into?
Pennsylvania State University is easy to get into for many students. Penn State University Park accepts most applicants as long as they meet all the admission requirements. The applicant’s academic credentials are the most important part of any school application. Other factors, such as letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurricular activities, are not the primary considerations.
What Is Penn State University’s Acceptance Rate?
According to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, Penn State University’s acceptance rate is 78 percent. This means that the institution accepts more than half of the students that apply each year. It is crucial to speed up the admission decision by submitting all the required forms and meeting the school’s admission requirements.
What Is Penn State University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
The transfer acceptance rate in 2019 for Pennsylvania State University was just over 46 percent. The university received around 1,973 transfer applicants and accepted around 913 students.
What Is Penn State University’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
The early decision acceptance rate at Penn State University is 68 percent. Students who get early decision admission from Penn State University must enroll immediately and withdraw all other applications they have made to other schools. It also means that students can no longer send applications to new schools.
Penn State University Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at Penn State University per year: 96,686
- Penn State University Acceptance Rate: 78%
The admission process at Pennsylvania State University is quite straightforward. Prospective students must create a Penn State account to apply online. The school then asks for a self-reported academic record, the program of study, and the campus you have chosen.
The school charges a $65 application fee for in-state students. On the other hand, international applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of $75. Those who cannot afford this fee can request a waiver. Applicants can choose if they prefer to submit ACT or SAT scores.
Who Gets Into Penn State University?
Pennsylvania State University has a diverse student population. Its graduate and undergraduate students include Hispanics, Asians, White, and Black students. There are also native Americans, as well as Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians.
Penn State University Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White – 40%
- Asian – 18%
- Hispanic or Latino – 8%
Penn State University Acceptance Rate by Major
We look at three colleges on Penn State’s campuses and each published acceptance rate by major. The Penn State University acceptance rate for each of these majors shows the difficulty of gaining admission. We focus on the acceptance rates of the agricultural, biochemistry, and civil engineering colleges.
Acceptance Rate by Major at Penn State University
- Agribusiness Management/College of Agricultural Sciences/Agric: 22%
- Biochemistry/Eberly College of Science/Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology: 19%
- Civil Engineering/College of Engineering/Civil and Environmental Engineering: 24%
Penn State University Application Deadline: When Is Penn State University’s Application Due?
Pennsylvania State University has a varied application deadline. The early action application for the fall and summer sessions starts August 1 and is due by November 1. The rolling admission application is available on August 1 and is due by December 1. The spring session’s application starts on June 1 and ends on December 1.
Penn State University Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: August 1
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Application Fee: $65 for domestic students and $75 for international applicants
- Common App: December 1
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to Penn State University?
Major reasons to go to Pennsylvania State University is that it’s a prestigious institution and one of the largest in the world. It offers a long list of undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also offers online programs through its World Campus, which is helpful for those who need to continue working. We’ve given you more reasons below to go to Pennsylvania State University.
Academics
Pennsylvania State University is a top academic institution. The university is highly-rated as a research university and is highly ranked by US News & World Report for many of its programs. The school offers more than 275 majors and minors to help students customize their degrees.
Football
Pennsylvania State University is one of the big 10 football universities. Football is a way of life at PSU. The campus comes to life on game days, adding to a vibrant student community and campus life.
Social Activities
Pennsylvania State University also offers many social activities with more than 1,000 student-run organizations. Some include religious affiliation clubs, beekeepers’ clubs, sports clubs, and service clubs. There are also fraternities and sororities for students to gain the full campus experience.
Tips for Applying to Penn State University
You must be thorough when submitting your application, as it can determine the outcome of being admitted to Pennsylvania State University. Below are a few tips for successfully applying to Pennsylvania State University.
Apply on Time
It helps to apply as early as possible to increase your chance of being accepted. Applying early means your application will be received faster and processed before other applicants. While doing so, submit the correct documents and pay the application fee if you do not qualify for a waiver.
Get Strong Recommendations
Submit strong recommendations from high school teachers and counselors that demonstrate your strengths. A well-written recommendation letter discusses your leadership potential, reliability, character, and academic achievement. Ask teachers or counselors who you know will speak well of you. You can also ask people outside of school, like a coach or an employer.
Research the Major
Before applying for any program, research the major and learn about it. Check that it includes the coursework you’d like to study. Colleges with low acceptance rates are more difficult to get into, so make sure you meet specified requirements.
Penn State University Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
Undergraduates can apply using a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Many schools say that SAT/ACT scores are optional. Although these scores are optional, they are still preferred. Colleges also ask for minimum units, especially in English, science, math, and languages. Below are some of the items for your admission checklist.
- High school diploma or GED
- Application fee
- Application form
- Self-reported academic record
- SAT or ACT scores
Penn State University SAT Requirements
The NCES College Navigator gives statistics on the SAT scores required for acceptance into Pennsylvania State University. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored on par or below. A 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores: 32%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 570 (25th percentile); 670 (75th percentile)
- SAT Math: 570 (25th percentile); 690 (75th percentile)
Penn State University ACT Requirements
First-time applicants can choose to submit their ACT scores as a part of their application. If you want to be considered for admission, your score should be close to 28 or above.
- Students Submitting ACT Scores: 6%
- ACT Composite: 25 (25th percentile); 31 (75th percentile)
- ACT English: 24 (25th percentile); 32 (75th percentile)
- ACT Math: 24 (25th percentile); 30 (75th percentile)
Acing Your Penn State University Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
Familiarize Yourself With Details
The first thing you need to do to prepare for the SAT and ACT is to understand the instructions, structure, and types of questions you will encounter. Familiarizing yourself with the details will help you save time. You can find most of the information online, and the format differs for both the SAT and ACT. Know the structure and note the time limits for each section.
Take a Practice Test
There are many online resources to test yourself before your standardized tests. These practice tests are based on the exams from previous years to give you an idea of what to expect. There are also a few practice tests in SAT prep books. Take the tests until you understand the expectations.
Time Yourself
Besides answering the questions during your standardized test, you need to be able to finish within the allotted time. So it helps to practice by timing yourself. Remove all distractions and take full-length practice tests. Keep a timer nearby to check how fast you’re working and how many you got right.
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Penn State University GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
Pennsylvania State University doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement for admission because the school doesn’t believe in cut-offs. Instead, the university considers other factors before deciding to admit an applicant. The applicant’s academic record is central to the application review process. Maintaining good grades in high school will significantly increase your admission chances.
Other factors also determine if an application will be approved. The standardized test scores may be considered for summer and fall sessions, while the student’s cultural and geographic background may also be a factor. Lastly, the school considers a portfolio review, a list of activities the applicant has taken part in, and a personal statement. Whether you’re an athlete, volunteer, or even an employee will add to the diversity the school adopts.
Penn State University Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend Penn State University?
The in-state cost of attending Penn State University ranges from $33,056 to $36,278. This cost includes tuition and fees and other additional expenses during the year. For out-of-state residents, the price is slightly higher. It amounts to approximately $50,634 to $53,856 annually.
Attending Penn State University for international students is $52,134 to $55,326 annually. The cost also covers tuition, fees, and other additional expenses that students incur. Online students who attend the World Campus will pay $590 per credit.
Common Majors at Penn State University
Penn State is known for its popular majors in engineering, computer science, marketing, business, journalism, and biological and biomedical sciences. The section below will shed more light on some of these common majors at Penn State University and the jobs available for such roles.
General Finance
Students learn about investment analysis and financial management. The program covers commercial bank management, security markets, business finance, investment valuations, futures and options markets, portfolio management, and capital management. Students who complete all the requirements get a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Best Jobs for General Finance Graduates
- Financial Manager
- Management Analyst
- Accountant
Nursing
The nursing major is for registered nurses who already have a diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing and want to study for a bachelor’s degree. It is available for both full-time and part-time students, and the program helps nurses enhance their nursing education and meet healthcare demands in their regions. It also opens a path to graduate-level nursing programs.
Best Jobs for Nursing Graduates
- RN/Registered Nurse – Operating Room
- Assistant Manager RN Patient Flow – Patient Logistics
- Assistant Nurse Manager
Computer Engineering
This computer engineering major allows students to learn about the theory and application of computer system design and principles. The program includes engineering, basic science, and information handling. Students can specialize in the use of hardware, analysis of hardware, and software and systems analysis. Students also learn computer application design and can apply that knowledge in the field.
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Graduates
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Software engineer
Penn State University Attendance Outcomes
Penn State has high attendance outcomes. The list below will showcase some of the most common jobs for people who attended Penn State University. Software development is the highest paying field linked to the computer science major. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary of a software developer is $110,140.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended Penn State University
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Software developers | $110,140 | 22% |
| Managers | $102,450 | 9% |
| Architects | $80,180 | 3% |
| Postsecondary teachers |
$79,640 | 12% |
| Secondary school teachers |
$61,820 | 8% |
Penn State University Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeons | $208,000 | 3% |
| Physicians | $208,000 | 3% |
| Dentists | $163,220 | 8% |
| Financial specialists | $81,410 | 6% |
| Securities, commodities, & financial services sales agents |
$62,910 | 4% |
Should I Apply to Penn State University?
Yes, you should apply to Penn State University if you want to study at a prestigious institution with global recognition. The university does not only offer one of the best academic structures but also provides an excellent environment for social development, as well. This ensures that all students learn useful skills for their future that are not only academic.
Penn State University Acceptance Rate FAQ
There is no minimum GPA requirement to get into Pennsylvania State University. The school prefers to focus on other requirements, such as good academic records and the cultural and geographic backgrounds of the student. The school encourages diversity.
Penn State is not hard to get into as it has a high acceptance rate. The Penn State University acceptance rate is 78 percent. This means that most applicants who meet all the admission requirements will be accepted.
Penn State is not an Ivy League institution like Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth, and Princeton. It is not to be confused with University of Pennsylvania, which is also an Ivy League school. However, Pennsylvania State University offers excellent education and is well-known globally.
Penn State University looks for students who want to build on their talents and abilities using the university’s practical, liberal arts, and interdisciplinary environments. The institution also wants students with consistent academic and social records.
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