Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

    University Park, PA · Public · Doctoral / R1 research university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1240–1420
    Median ~1330
    Acceptance rate
    61%
    Enrollment
    42,284
    ACT middle 50%
    27–32

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $20,644
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $41,790
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $63,435
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    86%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard, most recent available year. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books.

    How your SAT score lines up

    At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 25% of admitted students score below 1240 and 25% score above 1420. Scoring at the 75th percentile or higher makes the SAT a positive factor in your application.

    • 1460+ SAT: Strong — above the 75th percentile of admitted students.
    • 1420 SAT (75th percentile): Competitive — at or above the 75th percentile.
    • 1330 SAT (median): In range — near the median of admitted students.
    • 1240 SAT (25th percentile): Low end — within the 25th–50th percentile band.
    Compare to other colleges →

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for Penn State?

    Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's admitted students have a middle-50% SAT range of 1240–1420, with a median around 1330. To be competitive, aim for 1420+ — this puts you at or above the 75th percentile of admitted students.

    What is Penn State's acceptance rate?

    Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 61%.

    How much does it cost to attend Penn State?

    In-state tuition is approximately $20,644 and out-of-state is approximately $41,790. These figures exclude room, board, and fees.

    Is Penn State test-optional in 2026?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.psu.edu

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