Apply to a Degree Program

Whether you’ve made the decision to apply to a degree program or you’re curious about what is involved, we have tried to make the following instructions and details as clear and informative as possible. We are always happy to answer any questions, or discuss your educational goals and financial aid options with you.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

Applying for Financial Aid

New students who are considering applying for financial aid are encouraged to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Please visit our Office of Student Aid website for more information on how to apply for financial aid.

Applying for Degree

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received four to six weeks before the start date of classes. The following dates are recommended guidelines.

• March 15 for summer semester admission
• June 30 for fall semester admission
• October 31 for spring semester admission

We may not be able to complete the necessary evaluations of degree and financial aid applications if they are submitted beyond the dates above.

Application Materials

The materials that you will be required to submit in order to complete your application are dependent on your individual circumstances.

Official high school transcripts or GED transcript with available high school records (High school and GED records are required regardless of the length of time that has passed.)

Official military transcripts (if applicable) and/or official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution. (All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended.)

SAT/ACT scores are not required of first-year adult applicants who have been out of high school five or more years, or veterans who have served in the military four years with an honorable discharge. These scores can also be waived if the University identifies you as an adult learner. You are considered an adult learner if you are 24 years of age or older; or a veteran of the armed services; or an active duty service member; or returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity; or a person who assumes multiple adult roles, such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.

All official documents must be submitted to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802

Steps for Completing Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our returning students’ page (tk) for instructions. For your application to be considered complete, you'll need to complete the following steps:

1. Print and review the application instructions (PDF). We recommend that you print this for future reference and for assistance while completing your application.
2. Complete your application. Regardless of credits previously completed at other institutions, you must submit the online application form.
3. When filling out the form, select your major in the "choosing major" section.
4. Pay your application fee ($50).
5. Submit your application

Checking Your Status

After you’ve submitted your complete application, you can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." If we are missing any materials to complete your application package, we will notify you via the status check on MyPennState. It is your responsibility to check on the status of your application and send us any missing materials. Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials.

To get started, call 814-865-5403 or 800-252-3592 to speak with an admissions counselor.

Print degree application instructions.

Apply to a Certificate Program

Undergraduate 

How to Apply

To apply or register for a undergraduate certificate program please call 814-865-3443.  

Prerequisites

You need a high school diploma or GED. 

Graduate 

How to Apply

Individuals seeking admission must complete and submit the Penn State Graduate School online application. Be sure to read the admissions requirements carefully, as each program has unique requirements.

Prerequisites

To enroll in 400-level courses, you must have completed 60 credits of undergraduate work or the equivalent.

To enroll in graduate-level courses, or to earn the graduate certificate in distance education, you must have a baccalaureate degree.