Penn State University Park SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Penn State’s admit rate is relatively accessible, but University Park students still arrive with strong academics: a 3.84 average GPA and middle SAT range of 1250–1410. If you submit scores, use the SAT as your main target and aim toward 1410 to strengthen your academic case.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Penn State University Park facts and stats
Penn State University Park enrolls 42,604 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Penn State has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 86% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15.4:1.
University Park, PA
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Key Penn State University Park 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 is test-optional, follow 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 the fall for retakes and possible superscore gains. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, treat the October SAT or September ACT as the last retake likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Penn State’s in-state tuition is $20,066, while out-of-state tuition is $41,212. About 21% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,764. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Penn State’s out-of-state tuition is $41,212, compared with $20,066 in-state, and room and board is $14,474. About 21% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $11,389. The average merit award is $5,764. Students graduate with an average debt of $48,037.
Student life at Penn State University Park
35% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active 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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