Penn State: what international applicants need

What are Penn State's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Penn State has one application deadline for 2026–27: Early Action on November 1, 2026. It also admits on a rolling basis.

• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Penn State's acceptance rate?

60.6% for students who started in fall 2024: Penn State admitted 53,579 of its 88,478 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Penn State require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Penn State is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Penn State?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 620–720 in Math and 620–700 in Reading and Writing (31% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 27–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Penn State's application fee for international students?

Penn State's application fee is $75 for international applicants: $10 more than the $65 US applicants pay.

Does Penn State accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

No. Penn State accepts the Common App fee waiver from US students only.

• If the fee is a real obstacle, write to the admissions office: some universities grant waivers on request.

Which English tests does Penn State accept?

Penn State doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Penn State require?

Penn State doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Penn State require the Common App personal essay?

No. Penn State doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Penn State have?

3,989 of Penn State's 42,604 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 9.4%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Penn State cost for international students?

Penn State is a public university: international students pay at least the out-of-state rate, $41,790 in published tuition and fees for 2024–25 (in-state students paid $20,644). Some public universities add an international fee. On-campus food and housing was $14,474. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $62,484 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source