Federal data, not an estimate: the middle 50% of Pennsylvania State University's enrolled students and what to do with it.
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The middle 50% of enrolled students at Pennsylvania State University scored 27–32 on the ACT Composite, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. A Composite at or above 32 clears the band; inside it, aim for the upper half. The Composite is the average of English, Math and Reading, so the cheapest gain is always the weakest section. Pennsylvania State University admits about 61% of applicants — the score is one input, not a cutoff.
| 25th percentile | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|
| ACT Composite | 27 | 32 |
A middle 50% means a quarter of enrolled students scored below 27 and a quarter above 32. It describes who enrolled — it is not an admission rule.
It averages English, Math and Reading, rounded at the half. One raw question in your weakest section can move the Composite a full point — which makes the weakest section the cheapest place to gain. Science is optional and does not affect it.
Section-by-section ACT practice under the real clock, with an explanation on every question.
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 27–32 on the Composite. The upper half of that band is competitive, and 32+ clears it. There is no published cutoff.
A quarter of enrolled students scored below 27. It is possible, and the rest of the application has to carry more weight.
The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (IPEDS), retrieved 2026-09-01. The school's federal profile is linked below.