Can you get into Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
University Park, PA · Public · 42,284 students Here is the class that got in, and where your numbers land inside it.
Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.
The admitted class · 2024
What it took to get in
Acceptance rate
60.6%
SAT middle 50%
1240–1420
ACT middle 50%
27–32
Testing
optional
38% submitted an SAT
Graduation rate
86%
within six years
Reported by the college
What Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus actually reads
Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It is the most useful thing they say about admissions and almost nobody reads it, because knowing that an essay is very important here and class rank is not considered changes where the work should go.
Very important
The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.
- Grades
- Course rigor
Considered
Looked at, but not decisive on its own.
- Test scores
- Essay
Not considered
Reported as playing no part in the decision.
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Legacy
- Work experience
From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it does not ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set we use that instead.
Real cost · 2024 data
What families actually pay
The sticker price is $39,694, but almost nobody pays it. Average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus by family income, after grants and scholarships:
- Under $30k$19,845
- $30k–$48k$20,049
- $48k–$75k$25,667
- $75k–$110k$31,834
- Over $110k$37,831
U.S. Department of Education data: average net price per year for aided first-time students. Your number depends on your family’s finances.
Keep going
More on Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Harder to get into
About as selective
Common questions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus admissions, answered
What is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus admits 60.6% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).
What SAT score do you need for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1420. A score above 1420 clears the 75th percentile; below 1240, the rest of the application has to carry more weight.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus test-optional?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is currently test-optional. Submit a score if it falls inside or above the admitted middle 50%.
What does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus look for in an application?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus reports that it weighs grades, course rigor most heavily. Anything it lists as not considered is worth knowing too, because effort spent there does not count here.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus actually cost?
Sticker price is $39,694, but the average family pays $32,875 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $19,845 per year on average.
What Spike does with this
Use the Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus read in your plan.
Spike helps connect your numbers with courses, testing, essays, activities, and the rest of your college list.
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