CAMPUS · UNIVERSITY PARK, PA · PUBLIC

Penn State University Acceptance Rate

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

54.2%

Why this page exists. I'm a parent who went through college admissions with my own kids, and I got tired of glossy brochures and sticker prices that mean nothing. For Penn State University, the gap is real: a $39,694 published sticker, but families actually pay about $27,045/yr after aid. Every number on this page comes straight from federal data (IPEDS & College Scorecard) — the real net price, what graduates actually earn, and your honest odds. No rankings theater, no marketing spin.

FIT

SAFETY

Penn State University is a safety for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

54.2%

of 85,956 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$63,435

across all majors

Penn State University at a Glance

52,693

Total Enrollment

$25,000

Median Debt

13.0%

Pell Grant Rate

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 Admissions 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.

Full Name	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Location	University Park, PA 16802-1503
Type	Public
Website	psu.edu/
Total Enrollment	52,693
Undergrad Enrollment	43,729
Female Students	46.5%

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

13% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Penn State enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.

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

Want to see how Penn State University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.

Popular Majors at Penn State University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Business/Marketing

16.6%

Engineering

14.7%

Computer Science

11.5%

Communication

6.9%

Social Sciences

6.9%

Best Majors at Penn State University →

{sn} 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.

1310

Target SAT Score

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

Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Penn State University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.

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.

See Penn State University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.

{sn} 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.