No SAT or ACT score? No problem! IUP is committed to test-optional admission through fall 2025. We'd love to consider you for admission and scholarships as soon as possible, with or without scores.
Test Scores and GPA: Average Student Profile
IUP is able to offer admission to students at varying levels of academic achievement and preparation. If you are looking for a benchmark, here is some info. Most students who earn admission to IUP meet or exceed these scores:
- Cumulative high school GPA: 3.32
- SAT: score of 1050
IUP SAT code: 2652 - ACT: composite score of 22
ACT code: 3704.
We believe in each student's potential—that's why we encourage you to apply even if you don't quite have the scores you wanted at this time or any scores at all. IUP has admission opportunities for students who show potential even if their grades are not perfect. However, the strength of your grades will guide us in how much weight the test scores may have to earn admission into some majors that have specific academic requirements for program admission (see below). Many students below the averages above will be eligible for admission to IUP.
While not required, sending your scores each time you take the SAT or ACT can benefit you by allowing IUP to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities if you don't receive initial admission into your first-choice major.
Transfer student? See Special Admission Requirements for Transfer Students.
- Early Childhood Education/Reading Specialist Certification
- Early Childhood (PreK-Grade 4)/Special Education (K-Grade 8)
- Early Childhood (PreK-Grade 4)/Special Education (K-Grade 8)/Urban
- Special Education BSEd, PreK-12
Some freshman applicants who are close to meeting requirements may be reviewed by the College of Education and Communications in order to be considered for admission to one of the majors above. Learn more about education majors on the Education website. These admission restrictions do not apply to secondary education majors for freshmen but do apply for transfer students.
- Studio Art/Graphic Design
- Music (all tracks)
- Musical Theatre
Students who intend to major in these fine arts programs are required to submit a portfolio (art) or perform an audition (music, musical theatre) after they have been admitted to IUP academically. All admitted students are invited to attend an audition or portfolio review session, which are held throughout the year. Admission to the major of choice is determined by the appropriate department and will be communicated via mail.
Students who wish to earn a BFA in studio art first must be admitted into the BA program in studio art; during their sophomore year, students must submit a portfolio for review by the Art and Design Department in order to be eligible for the BFA program. Learn more about these majors at the Art and Design Department, Music Department, and Theatre, Dance, and Performance Department.
Because it is common for admission to nursing to close well before the general May 1 deposit date, students interested in nursing are encouraged to apply as early as possible. New nursing students are only considered for fall term admission. In order to be considered for nursing, students must meet minimum requirements for program admission. Students must have no less than a 3.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for program consideration. IUP has the discretion to recalculate GPAs from high schools with non-standard grading scales.
The Department of Nursing and Allied Health has an internal process for enrolled IUP students interested in program admission; however, we cannot guarantee admission into the program for enrolled students wishing to change their major to nursing due to size restrictions. Specific requirements and contact information regarding the internal process can be found on the Nursing website.
Students interested in Speech-Language Pathology must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to receive full consideration for admission to this major. Some freshman applicants who are close to meeting requirements may be reviewed by the College of Education and Communications in order to be considered for admission to Speech-Language Pathology.
Course work
High school students must have completed coursework as required by the state of Pennsylvania for a high school diploma. We do not require any specific courses for entry into the university.
Helpful tip: When you're choosing classes in high school, give some thought to your desired major and the requirements. This will give you prepared for college-level course work.
Language
There's no language requirement for admission to IUP. However, some departments have a language requirement for graduating from the university.
