Welcome, First-Year Students!
Congratulations on deciding to learn more about earning your college degree! Although there are a number of steps involved with applying to and enrolling at Penn State, the process does not have to be complicated. Fortunately, the admissions and financial aid offices at Penn State Greater Allegheny are here to assist you!
Who qualifies as a first-year applicant?
Typically, you would qualify as a first-year applicant if you fit into one of the following categories:
- You are currently a traditional-aged high school student applying to college for the first time,
- You previously earned your high school diploma or equivalency (GED) but never enrolled at any college or university,
- You previously earned your high school diploma or equivalency (GED) but attempted fewer than 18 credits while attending college
Typically, any college credits you earn while still enrolled as a full-time high school student do not change your status as a first-year applicant. Penn State will consider transferring college credits earned in high school to Penn State even if you qualify as a first-year applicant.
If you do not fall into one of the categories listed above, you may want to view our webpages for Adult or Non-Traditional Applicants, Military Veterans, Transfer Applicants, or International Applicants.
What are my options for earning a degree at Penn State?
Penn State offers students several options for earning a degree.
First, a Penn State degree is a Penn State degree, no matter the campus location. Penn State Greater Allegheny offers both 4-year bachelors and 2-year associate degrees. Our 4-year bachelors degree programs give students flexibility as to where they complete their degree:
- Students can apply to spend all four years at the University Park campus.
- Students can apply to spend all four years at the Greater Allegheny campus.
- Students can apply for Penn State’s 2+2 Plan and begin their first two years at Penn State Greater Allegheny before transitioning to another Penn State campus for their final two years.
- Students can apply to spend all two years of an associate degree at the Greater Allegheny campus.
Application Process
Penn State strongly recommends submitting your application by November 30 of your senior year for priority consideration. Applying early not only increases your chances of admission to your preferred academic college or campus but also ensures full scholarship consideration and early access to financial aid estimates.
Admissions Decision Timeline
Expect to receive an admissions decision within approximately four weeks if Penn State Greater Allegheny is your first-choice campus. International applicants may experience longer wait times.
How to Apply
- Create a MyPennState Profile: Start by creating your MyPennState profile. Scheduling an admissions appointment with us qualifies you for a waived $65 application fee.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application within your MyPennState profile. Be prepared with your high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores to complete the Self-Reported Academic Record.
- Submit Supporting Materials: Review your MyPennState checklist for any additional required documents, such as official transcripts or test scores. Submit these to our Admissions office via mail or fax. Once all materials are received, your application will be considered complete.
- Acceptance and Enrollment: Upon receiving your offer of admission, pay the $230 registration fee. Students planning to live on campus should also pay the $100 housing fee and complete the online housing contract.
- Next Steps: Congratulations on becoming a Penn Stater! Keep an eye on your email for details about the ALEKS assessment and New Student Orientation.
I attended Penn State as a full-time student previously, do I have to re-apply?
If you were previously admitted to a degree-seeking program at Penn State and successfully earned credits towards your degree, you would be classified as a Re-Enrolling Student. Re-Enrolling Students do not have to re-apply for admission to Penn State.
