Penn State Altoona SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Penn State Altoona’s 98% acceptance rate does not make scores irrelevant, especially if you choose to submit under its test-optional policy. Use the SAT middle 50% as your benchmark and aim toward the upper end of 1090–1280, since SAT submissions are far more common here than ACT submissions.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Penn State Altoona facts and stats
Penn State Altoona enrolls 2,371 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Penn State Altoona has an 80% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 61% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Altoona, PA
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Key Penn State Altoona application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Penn State Altoona is test-optional, use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and an October retake to strengthen your superscore before the November 1 Early Action deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Penn State Altoona’s in-state tuition is $15,388, while out-of-state tuition is $26,374. About 41% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,732. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Out-of-state tuition at Penn State Altoona is $26,374, while in-state tuition is $15,388; room and board adds $14,474. About 41% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,339. Merit awards average $5,732 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $43,930.
Student life at Penn State Altoona
37% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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