Loading...
Loading...
University Park, PA · Public · Large · Small City
Admitted students who enroll
Of enrolling students
How much the school says contact matters
Deadlines, fees, testing policy, and recommendation requirements come from the Common App 2026-2027 First-Year Deadlines, Fees and Requirements file published August 28, 2026. Schools can still change a date after publication, so confirm anything you are close to with the school.
Rated Very important in the 2024-2025 Common Data Set this school published.
Tuition, housing, food, and fees
Sticker figures. What a family actually pays depends on income and aid, which is what the financial aid tools are for.
Sources: this school's published Common Data Set, the Common App 2026-2027 member requirements file, and federal cost and outcomes data. See how our data works, or read the complete manual.
Add your GPA and test scores in Settings to see your estimated chances at Penn State University.
Strong scores still help. Submit if you are at or above their middle 50%.
Common App personal statement (650 words) + 0 supplementals - none required
For exact prompts, check the school's admissions page or the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
Typical: 1 counselor + 2 teacher recommendations
Most selective colleges follow this pattern. Confirm exact requirements on the school's admissions site - some require a specific subject teacher (e.g., STEM programs may want a math/science rec).
This school does not consider interest. Don't burn time on it - focus on the application itself.
$65
Fee waivers available if you qualify (Common App fee waiver, school waiver, or counselor request).
Sticker price means almost nothing. Penn State University's Net Price Calculator estimates what you'll actually pay after merit and need-based aid. Takes 10 minutes; needs household income and assets, plus a few academic numbers.We don't have a confirmed URL for this school - the link below opens a search that almost always lands on the right page.
Open Penn State University's Net Price CalculatorPrompts not yet curated for Penn State University
We curate supplemental prompts for the most-applied-to schools and refresh annually each August. This school isn't in our curated list yet.
For the current prompts, check the school's admissions site directly or open the Common App once writing opens (Aug 1).
This school explicitly does not consider demonstrated interest in admissions decisions. Don't spend time visiting, opening every email, or following on social purely for admissions. Those things won't move the needle here.
Where to spend time instead: the application itself. Strong essays, tight activities list, recommendations from teachers who know you well.
Research University
Yes
Co-op / Internship
Limited
Est. Net Price (You)
$38,824
Based on "none" need
Sticker tuition
$38,824
Before aid
Total Estimated 4-Year Cost
$155,296
Out-of-state pricing with estimated aid
Greek Life
Yes
Study Abroad
16%
Religious Affiliation
None
Football Conference
Big Ten
Debt-to-Income
51.3%
Average debt against 10-year earnings
Est. 10-Year ROI
$468,704
(10yr earnings x 10) - 4yr cost
68% of students receive financial aid. This school is committed to access.
This school is test-optional. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
Deadline / RD: N/A
Application Platform: Common App
Supplemental Essays: 0
Interview: Not Offered
Recommendation letters needed
Test optional
Get candid student reviews, rankings, and additional data from these sources:
Data from US Department of Education College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and institutional disclosures.