Campus photo

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA

PublicCity: SmallYellow Ribbon (undergraduate)Test Optional

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61%

Acceptance Rate

42,284

Undergraduates

$42k

Out-of-state tuition

86%

6-yr grad rate

$63k

Median Earnings (10 yrs)

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Data as of September 2026

Can I Get In?

61%

Moderately Selective

Acceptance Rate (2024-25)

Test Optional

61% of applicants admitted

SAT Range (2023-24)1240–1420

ACT Range (2023-24)27–32

Avg Admitted GPA (CDS)3.67

42,284 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25)

Public · City: Small

Early Action: Nov 1, 2026

Priority: Dec 1, 2026

Your MatchBasic and up

61% acceptance rate. Compare your scores against admitted students — is this a Match, Reach, or Safety for you?

What Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus rates very important: Academic GPA (its 2025-26 Common Data Set). This is how the college weighs all applicants, not part of your chance above. · Source

Can I Afford It?

Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)

$41,790

Average Net Price (2023-24)

$32,875

This college's average after grants, all family incomes. Not your price.

$25,000Median Debt

Median earnings 10 yrs after entry$63,435/yr

Debt-to-earnings ratio39%

Your Net Price EstimateBasic and up

See what Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is likely to cost at your family's income, after grants.

Why Go Here?

6-yr grad rate86%

First-year retention93%

$63k

Median Earnings

10 yrs after entry

15:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

42.3k

Undergraduates

Large

Public · City: Small

Your Scores HereBasic and up

Is this school right for you? See how your SAT, ACT and GPA compare with admitted students.

How Does It Stack Up?

#174

Deal Score in PA

of 264 rated colleges

Deal Score72

Good value

29% First-Gen Students

14% Pell Grant Recipients

Your Admission ChanceBasic and up

See your admission chance at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, based on your scores and GPA.

Get Basic →

13Days

Next Application Deadline

Early Action: Nov 1, 2026

From the school’s admissions page, checked Sep 23, 2026. The year is projected for this cycle; confirm it with the school. Source

At a Glance

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public college in University Park, PA. It enrolls 42,284 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25).

Deal Score

/ 100

Good value

Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes

Academics & Admissions

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

SAT Middle 50% / Avg GPA

1240–1420

SAT (2023-24)

3.67

GPA (CDS)

Test Optional

Application Deadline

Early Action: Nov 1, 2026

Cost & Financial Aid

Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)$41,790

Avg net price, % of cost of attendance (2023-24)83%

Students Receiving Aid (CDS)43%

Room & Board (2024-25)$14,474

Median Debt at Graduation$25,000

Highest-Earning Programs

Petroleum Engineering$86k/yr

Computer Engineering$85k/yr

Computer and Information Sciences, General$84k/yr

Chemical Engineering$82k/yr

Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians$81k/yr

Architectural Engineering$80k/yr

How to Apply

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

PriorityDec 1, 2026

From the school’s admissions page; years projected for fall 2027 entry. Source

Admissions Page Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

Explore Careers

Discover careers related to Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's top programs

Petroleum Engineering$86k/yr Computer Engineering$85k/yr Computer and Information Sciences$84k/yr Chemical Engineering$82k/yr

The Vibe

Rigor

Career

Value

City: Small

Setting

Out of 10. Rigor from the SAT middle-50% midpoint (400 = 0, 1600 = 10); Career from median earnings 10 years after entry ($10k per point); Value is the Deal Score ÷ 10. Setting is the federal locale.