Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
106,547 applied, 58,952 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
What does Penn State cost?
$33,675 a year in-state
Out of state: about $56,067 a year
What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $41,003.
Tap your family income:
Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000
$22,193
$30,000–$48,000
$21,267
$48,000–$75,000
$25,458
$75,000–$110,000
$31,948
over $110,000
$39,140
Sticker, in-state
$41,003
In-state, with aid
$33,675
At your income
Out-of-state tuition is $43,490 a year, against $21,098 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $22,392 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 31% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1350 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Yes. Penn State is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on psu.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Penn State's acceptance rate?
55% for fall 2025: 58,952 of 106,547 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Penn State?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1280 to 1410 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Penn State cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $25,458 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $41,003.
How much does Penn State cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Penn State is $43,490 a year, against $21,098 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $33,675 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $22,392 tuition gap gives about $56,067 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
When is the Penn State application deadline for fall 2027?
Early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Checked on psu.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
