University Park, Pennsylvania · Public · 42,284 undergrads
Penn State admitted 55% of applicants for fall 2025 (58,952 of 106,547, Common Data Set 2025-26). Of the 1,153 students who took a spot on the wait list, 46 were admitted (4%). Penn State is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1280–1410.
The numbers
Applied
106,547
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
28–32
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.67
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
17%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Penn State?
55% of applicants get in
Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1280–1410 on the SAT.
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).
Does Penn State need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
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.
SAT or ACT scores, talent or ability, where you live, state residency.
As Penn State rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Penn State's acceptance rate?
Penn State admitted 55% of applicants for fall 2025 (58,952 of 106,547, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Penn State?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1280–1410. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Does Penn State take students off the wait list?
2,109 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,153 took one. 46 of them got in (4%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
