Penn State University
Public university · University Park, PA · 42,284 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
61%
Moderately selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
Average net price
$33,675
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$41,003
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
85%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Penn State University?
Penn State University accepts about 61 of every 100 applicants (61%), which makes it moderately selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1240 and 1420 on the SAT. A score at or above 1420 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1240, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 27–32.
The latest federal data says Penn State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Penn State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Penn State University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $41,003 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $33,675 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $21,098 for PA residents and $43,490 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$21,098
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$43,490
- Room & board$15,346
- Total cost of attendance$41,003
- Average net price after grants$33,675
Popular majors
Business, Engineering, Communications, Computer Science.
Penn State University FAQ
- What is Penn State University's acceptance rate?
- 61% — moderately selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Penn State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1240–1420. Aim for 1420 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Penn State University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 27–32.
- Is Penn State University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Penn State University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Penn State University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Penn State University cost?
- About $41,003 a year before aid; $33,675 on average after grants.
- What is Penn State University's FAFSA school code?
- 003329. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Penn State University receives your information.
- What is Penn State University's graduation rate?
- 85% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Penn State University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marywood UniversityScranton, PA | 61% | 1060–1250 | $21,059 | 68% |
| Saint Vincent CollegeLatrobe, PA | 62% | 1020–1230 | $23,122 | 70% |
| Chatham UniversityPittsburgh, PA | 62% | 1070–1295 | $25,502 | 64% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA | 58% | 1280–1460 | $29,362 | 86% |
| Alvernia UniversityReading, PA | 58% | 1093–1286 | $27,122 | 51% |
| Moore College of Art and DesignPhiladelphia, PA | 56% | 1180–1380 | $44,587 | 55% |