Getting in
For Fall 2025, 106,547 first-year students applied to Penn State, 58,952 were admitted and 9,148 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 55.3%.
Source: Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1 (University Park campus). Read Sep 30, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 21,321 | 12,096 | 56.7% |
| Out-of-state | 72,861 | 38,846 | 53.3% |
| International | 12,365 | 8,010 | 64.8% |
Source: Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Sep 30, 2026.
By school or major. Penn State's University Park Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the campus, with no rate by college or major.
Source: Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Early action. The Common Data Set lists early action (apply by November 1, hear by December 24) but has no field for early action counts, so it gives no early action acceptance rate. Penn State has no early decision plan.
Source: Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Most Penn State majors need only the application. These ask for more:
- Acting BFA. A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
- Musical Theatre. A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
- Theatre BFA. A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
- Music. A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Graphic Design. Evidence of Creative Work, needed to complete the application.
- Premedical-Medical BS/MD. A one-page resume and answers to program questions. SAT or ACT scores are mandatory for this program.
- Professional Golf Management. Playing proficiency shown by a handicap of 12 or lower.
- Schreyer Honors College. A separate application with essays, short answers and recommendation letters.
- Millennium Scholars Program. A separate application with essays and recommendation letters.
Source: Penn State, Admissions Requirements for First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Majors
181 majors across 13 schools. Every bachelor's major Penn State's official Undergraduate Bulletin lists at University Park, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Other campuses, minors and certificates are left out.
College of Agricultural Sciences16
- Agribusiness Management (BS)
- Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management (BS)
- Agricultural and Extension Education (BS)
- Agricultural Science (BS)
- Animal Science (BS)
- Community, Environment, and Development (BS)
- Environmental Resource Management (BS)
- Food Science (BS)
- Forest Ecosystems (BS)
- Immunology and Infectious Disease (BS)
- Landscape Contracting (BS)
- Pharmacology and Toxicology (BS)
- Plant Sciences (BS)
- Turfgrass Science (BS)
- Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (BS)
- Wildlife and Fisheries Science (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Agricultural Sciences, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Arts and Architecture20
- Acting (BFA)Extra requirement: A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
- Architecture (BArch)
- Architecture (BS)
- Art (BA)
- Art (BFA)
- Art Education (BS)
- Art History (BA)
- Digital Arts and Media Design (BDes)
- Graphic Design (BDes)Extra requirement: Evidence of Creative Work, needed to complete the application.
- Integrative Arts (BA)
- Landscape Architecture (BLA)
- Music (BA)Extra requirement: A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Music (BM)Extra requirement: A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Music Education (BME)Extra requirement: A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Music Technology (BM)Extra requirement: A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Musical Arts (BMA)Extra requirement: A School of Music audition, which you schedule to complete the application.
- Musical Theatre (BFA)Extra requirement: A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
- Professional Photography (BDes)
- Theatre (BA)
- Theatre (BFA)Extra requirement: A prescreen, needed to complete the application.
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Arts and Architecture, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications5
- Advertising/Public Relations (BA)
- Film Production (BA)
- Journalism (BA)
- Media Studies (BA)
- Telecommunications and Media Industries (BA)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences14
- Earth Science and Policy (BS)
- Energy Business and Finance (BS)
- Energy Engineering (BS)
- Environmental Systems Engineering (BS)
- Geobiology (BS)
- Geography (BA)
- Geography (BS)
- Geosciences (BA)
- Geosciences (BS)
- Materials Science and Engineering (BS)
- Meteorology and Atmospheric Science (BS)
- Mining Engineering (BS)
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (BS)
- Sustainability, Society, and Environmental Geography (BA)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Eberly College of Science18
- Astronomy and Astrophysics (BS)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BS)
- Biology (BS)
- Biotechnology (BS)
- Chemistry (BS)
- Data Sciences (BS)
- Forensic Science (BS)
- Integrative Science (BS)
- Mathematics (BA)
- Mathematics (BS)
- Microbiology (BS)
- Neurobiology (BS)
- Physics (BS)
- Planetary Science and Astronomy (BS)
- Premedical-Medical (BS)Extra requirement: A one-page resume and answers to program questions; SAT or ACT scores are mandatory for this program.
- Premedicine (BS)
- Science/Business Administration (BS/MBA)
- Statistics (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, Eberly College of Science, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Education9
- Education and Public Policy (BS)
- Elementary and Early Childhood Education (BS)
- Elementary and Kindergarten Education (BS)
- Middle Level Education (BS)
- Rehabilitation and Human Services (BS)
- Secondary Education (BS)
- Special Education (BS)
- Workforce Education and Development (BS)
- World Languages (K-12) Education (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Education, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Engineering16
- Aerospace Engineering (BS)
- Architectural Engineering (BAE)
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering (BS)
- Biological Engineering (BS)
- Biomedical Engineering (BS)
- Chemical Engineering (BS)
- Civil Engineering (BS)
- Computer Engineering (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Data Sciences (BS)
- Electrical Engineering (BS)
- Engineering Science (BS)
- Environmental Engineering (BS)
- Industrial Engineering (BS)
- Mechanical Engineering (BS)
- Nuclear Engineering (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Engineering, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Health and Human Development10
- Biobehavioral Health (BS)
- Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)
- Health Policy and Administration (BS)
- Hospitality Management (BS)
- Human Development and Family Studies (BS)
- Kinesiology (BS)
- Nutritional Sciences (BS)
- Public Health (BS)
- Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (BS)
- Systems Neuroscience (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Health and Human Development, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of Information Sciences and Technology7
- Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications (BS)
- Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations (BS)
- Data Sciences (BS)
- Enterprise Technology Integration (BS)
- Human-Centered Design and Development (BS)
- Information Technology Ethics and Compliance (BS)
- Security and Risk Analysis (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of Information Sciences and Technology, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Intercollege Programs1
- Bachelor of Philosophy Degree
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, Intercollege Programs, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
College of the Liberal Arts54
- African American Studies (BA)
- African and African American Studies (BA)
- African and African American Studies (BS)
- African Studies (BA)
- Anthropological Science (BS)
- Anthropology (BA)
- Applied Linguistics (BA)
- Asian Studies (BA)
- Chinese (BA)
- Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (BA)
- Communication Arts and Sciences (BA)
- Communication Arts and Sciences (BS)
- Comparative Literature (BA)
- Criminology (BA)
- Criminology (BS)
- Economics (BA)
- Economics (BS)
- English (BA)
- French and Francophone Studies (BA)
- French and Francophone Studies (BS)
- German (BA)
- German (BS)
- Global and International Studies (BA)
- Global and International Studies (BS)
- History (BA)
- International Politics (BA)
- Italian (BA)
- Italian (BS)
- Japanese (BA)
- Jewish Studies (BA)
- Korean (BA)
- Labor and Human Resources (BA)
- Labor and Human Resources (BS)
- Latin American Studies (BA)
- Linguistics (BA)
- Medieval Studies (BA)
- Middle East Studies (BA)
- Multidisciplinary Studies (BA)
- Organizational Leadership (BA)
- Organizational Leadership (BS)
- Philosophy (BA)
- Philosophy (BS)
- Political Science (BA)
- Political Science (BS)
- Psychology (BA)
- Psychology (BS)
- Russian (BA)
- Social Data Analytics (BS)
- Sociology (BA)
- Sociology (BS)
- Spanish (BA)
- Spanish (BS)
- Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (BA)
- Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, College of the Liberal Arts, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing1
- Nursing (BSN)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Smeal College of Business10
- Accounting (BS)
- Actuarial Science (BS)
- Business Analytics and Information Systems (BS)
- Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship (BS)
- Finance (BS)
- Management (BS)
- Marketing (BS)
- Real Estate (BS)
- Risk Management (BS)
- Supply Chain and Information Systems (BS)
Source: Penn State Undergraduate Bulletin, Smeal College of Business, Majors, Minors, and Certificates (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: Penn State, Admissions Requirements for First-Year Students (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 1 | By December 24 | No |
| Regular admission | Rolling after November 1 | Rolling from January | No |
| Nursing (University Park) | December 1 | By January 31 (if you apply after November 1) | No |
| Accelerated Premedical-Medical | October 13 | Final decisions in February | No |
Penn State calls November 1 its one big deadline. After it, applications are read on a rolling basis and University Park gets more competitive. Everyone admitted has until May 1 to accept. Penn State has no early decision plan.
Source: Penn State, Dates and Deadlines for First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Penn State is test-optional. On the application you say whether you want scores used; if you do, they are read. Penn State uses your highest combined score from a single test date and does not superscore. The Premedical-Medical BS/MD program requires the SAT or ACT.
Source: Penn State, Steps to Apply for First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
The Common Data Set agrees: the SAT or ACT is not required for admission but is considered if submitted.
Source: Penn State University Park Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Penn State's admission pages on September 30, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: Penn State, Dates and Deadlines for First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Penn State, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (first year) | $20,878 | $44,574 |
| Required fees | $640 | $640 |
| Food and housing (on campus) | $15,856 | $15,856 |
| Books and supplies | $1,290 | $1,290 |
| Transportation | $2,244 | $2,244 |
| Other expenses | $3,112 | $3,112 |
| Total | $44,020 | $67,716 |
University Park, freshman and sophomore tuition. Food, housing, books, transportation and other expenses are Penn State's per-semester cost of attendance figures times two. Required fees are from the Common Data Set.
Source: Penn State Tuition, Rates Effective 2026 Fall Semester (University Park), with its Cost of Attendance elements (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 11, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $19,845 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $20,049 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $25,667 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $31,834 |
| Over $110,000 | $37,831 |
| All incomes | $32,875 |
What first-year, full-time in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes, for the University Park campus. Out-of-state students pay more. Your own price comes from Penn State's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to Pennsylvania State University on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PA · Public59.4% admitted$30,434 average net price
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ · Public58.1% admitted$24,406 average net price
CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York, NY · Public53.8% admitted$2,984 average net price
The City College of New YorkNew York, NY · Public58% admitted$3,776 average net price
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY · Public48.2% admitted$18,784 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.