Official NCES IPEDS & Common Data Set Admissions Statistics (2025-2026 Cycle)
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Flagship Public Public research university University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate

Comprehensive admissions statistics, middle 50% SAT/ACT test score percentiles, GPA requirements, deadlines, and cost of attendance according to official NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

Official Acceptance Rate
55.2%

55 admitted per 100 applicants

Total Applicants
85,000
Undergraduate pool
Total Admitted
46,920
Offers extended
Enrolled Freshmen
9,000
Yield: 19.2%
Middle 50% SAT
1230-1400
25th-75th Percentile
Middle 50% ACT
26-32
Composite score
Average High School GPA
3.65
Unweighted 4.0 scale

Calculate Your Chances of Admission to Pennsylvania State University

Simulate how your personal high school GPA and standardized test scores compare against Penn State's accepted cohort.

College Admissions Chances Calculator

Evaluate admission odds based on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores against official IPEDS benchmarks

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3.85
Composite SAT Score 1480
Harvard University
Institutional Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Reach School
Estimated Admission Likelihood
6% - 10% (~2.4x baseline rate)
Reach (<35%) Target (35%-70%) Safety (>70%)
Academic Profile vs Middle 50% Benchmarks:
Your GPA vs School Avg
3.85 vs 3.98 Below Avg
Your SAT vs Mid-50%
1480 vs 1490-1580 Near 25th %
Strategic Recommendations for this College:

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Penn State Standardized Test Score Distributions

Breakdown of the 25th percentile (bottom quarter) vs 75th percentile (top quarter) of matriculated students.

SAT Middle 50% Distribution

1600 Scale
Composite Total Range 1230 – 1400
Reading & Writing (EBRW) 610 – 690
Math Section 620 – 720
Current Testing Policy Test-Optional through 2026

ACT & GPA Academic Benchmarks

36 Scale / 4.0 GPA
ACT Composite 25th Percentile 26
ACT Composite 75th Percentile 32
Average High School Unweighted GPA 3.65 / 4.00
Estimated Class Rank Top 10% of high school graduating class

Application Deadlines & Admissions Plans

Regular Decision (RD) Deadline Rolling
Early Application Deadline November 1
Early Admissions Plan Type Early Action
Application Fee $65 (Fee waivers accepted)

Tuition & Estimated Cost of Attendance

In-State Tuition & Fees $19,835 / year
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees $39,626 / year
Institutional Type Public research university
Official Admissions Portal Visit Penn State

Pennsylvania State University Admissions FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding admission requirements, GPA, and test percentiles for Penn State.

What is the acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University?

The official undergraduate acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is approximately 55.2%. For every 100 applicants, around 55 students are admitted, according to latest NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

What GPA do you need to get into Penn State?

Admitted students to Penn State typically have an average unweighted high school GPA of around 3.65 on a 4.0 scale. Most successful applicants take rigorous AP, IB, or Honors courses and rank in the top quartile of their graduating class.

What are the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for Penn State?

The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1230 to 1400. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite score is 26 to 32. Scoring in the upper 75th percentile significantly increases your admissions chances.

What is the application deadline for Pennsylvania State University?

The regular decision application deadline for Pennsylvania State University is Rolling. Early applicants typically submit their materials by November 1 under the Early Action admissions plan.

Is Penn State test-optional in 2025-2026?

Pennsylvania State University's testing policy status: Test-Optional through 2026. Please verify program-specific requirements on the official admissions portal before submitting.