PSU Acceptance Rate

Penn State University, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, is a highly regarded public research institution with a competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Penn State reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 55.2%, based on data from the university’s official admissions resources and historical trends published in the Common Data Set. This rate reflects a growing applicant pool, with tens of thousands of students vying for spots each year, driven by the university’s strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Factors such as increased applications from out-of-state and international students contribute to heightened selectivity. Fortunately, Penn State maintains transparency by regularly publishing admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, offering prospective students reliable insights into their chances of admission.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 55.2% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 85,000 applicants and around 47,000 admitted students, consistent with recent years.
• Early Action Rate: Data unavailable for the specific cycle, but historically, early action applicants enjoy a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 60.0%, due to demonstrated interest and earlier application review.
• International Student Rate: Specific data for Class of 2028 unavailable; however, based on prior years, the rate is estimated at 45.0%, reflecting additional scrutiny of academic credentials and language proficiency.

Over the past decade, Penn State’s acceptance rate has gradually declined from around 60% to the current 55.2%, signaling increasing competitiveness as more students recognize the value of its diverse programs and extensive alumni network. Early action continues to offer a slight edge, encouraging applicants to apply sooner. International admissions remain more selective due to limited spots and rigorous evaluation criteria. Compared to peer public universities like the University of Michigan or UCLA, Penn State’s selectivity is moderate, balancing accessibility with academic rigor. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Penn State admissions website at admissions.psu.edu or refer to the university’s Common Data Set reports for detailed breakdowns of past cycles.