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Penn State Erie, The Behrend College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1120 to 1300
ACT Range25 to 31
Average GPA3.53
Acceptance Rate96.8%

Penn State Behrend admits most applicants, but its score range is stronger than the acceptance rate might suggest. If you submit scores, aim for the upper half of the SAT range, around 1210 to 1300, to show you are comfortably aligned with the incoming class.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College enrolls about 3,244 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Penn State Behrend has an 83% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 67% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12.5:1.

Location

Erie, PA

Undergrad Enrollment3,244
Freshman Retention83%
SettingSuburban
Student to Faculty Ratio12.5:1
Graduation Rate67%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Penn State Behrend?

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Key Penn State Erie, The Behrend College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Not offered

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Penn State Behrend, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you have the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Penn State Behrend’s in-state tuition is $15,388, while out-of-state tuition is $26,374. About 44% of students receive financial aid, with an average merit award of $5,857. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for aid.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$15,388
Out-of-State Tuition$26,374
Room and Board$15,394
Average Merit Award$5,857
Application Fee$65
Students on Aid44%
Average Aid Package$14,029
Average Debt at Grad$45,119

For out-of-state students, Penn State Behrend lists tuition at $26,374, while Pennsylvania residents pay $15,388. Room and board adds about $15,394 before personal expenses and other fees. About 44% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,029, and the average merit award is $5,857. Graduates leave with an average debt of $45,119.

Student life at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Dance
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Film society
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

43% of undergrads live on campus

Coed
Men only
Women only
Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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