Average SAT & ACT Scores for Penn State University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
610
690
650
SAT Math
610
710
660
SAT Total
1220
1400
1310
ACT Composite
27
32
29
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
85,956
Students Admitted
46,605
Students Enrolled
9,040
Yield Rate
19.4%
Penn State University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#60
2025
QS World University Rankings
#93
2025
ARWU (Shanghai)
#77
2024
Penn State University Overview
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA with 52,693 students. At 54.2% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrollment.
Is Penn State University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Penn State University accepts 54.2% of applicants, making it accessible for most qualified students. If you meet the basic academic requirements, this is likely a Safety school for you.
Your Profile
Penn State University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Penn State University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Penn State. Families earning $0-30k pay around $19,845 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $37,831. 13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Penn State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $25,000, which is reasonable against the $55,620 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$19,845
$79,380
$30-48k
$20,049
$80,196
$48-75k
$25,667
$102,668
$75-110k
$31,834
$127,336
$110k+
$37,831
$151,324
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$13,030
Total Cost of Attendance
$39,694
Popular Majors at Penn State University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
16.6%
Engineering
14.7%
Computer Science
11.5%
Communication
6.9%
Social Sciences
6.9%
Biological Sciences
6.5%
Health Professions
4.4%
Psychology
4.1%
Agriculture
3.6%
Multidisciplinary
3.3%
Education
3.2%
Physical Sciences
3.1%
Parks/Recreation
2.7%
Security/Law Enforcement
2.5%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.2%
Mathematics/Statistics
2.1%
Student Demographics
White
62.2%
Black/African American
4.5%
Hispanic/Latino
8.3%
Asian
6.9%
International
11.5%
How to Get Into Penn State University
Penn State is a Safety school for most students who meet the basic requirements. Don't let the higher acceptance rate fool you — Penn State still offers strong programs and outcomes. Graduates earn $63,435 within 10 years, making it a solid return on investment.
1310
Target SAT Score
29
Target ACT Score
54.2%
Acceptance Rate
85,956
Total Applicants
What Penn State University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Considered
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Considered
Character Personal Qualities
Considered
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Penn State University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Penn State University Rolling admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Priority Deadline
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Rolling
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Rolling Admissions: Penn State University reviews applications as they arrive. Apply early for the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
13.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$55,620
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State University
What is Penn State's acceptance rate?
Penn State has an acceptance rate of 54.2%, making it accessible to most qualified applicants. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Penn State?
The middle 50% SAT range at Penn State is 1220-1400. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 27-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Penn State?
The most popular majors at Penn State by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (16.6%), Engineering (14.7%), Computer Science (11.5%), Communication (6.9%), Social Sciences (6.9%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Penn State graduates earn?
Penn State graduates earn a median salary of $63,435 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Penn State worth the cost?
With median earnings of $63,435 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $25,000, The earning potential is favorable relative to debt, though ROI depends heavily on your chosen major. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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