Applying for Admission

Penn State's Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site describes the application procedure, and identifies the forms, documentation, and application deadlines required for an admissions decision. The specific forms and documentation required are different depending on the type of applicant. Please click on the link below that best matches you to learn more about that type of applicant.

In addition to admissions information, the Undergraduate Admissions Office also provides links to Penn State's academic colleges, descriptions of the 160+ baccalaureate degrees and twenty-five associate degree majors available throughout the Penn State system. Links describe your opportunities to become involved outside the classroom in the arts, athletics, research and more at each of Penn State's twenty campuses as well.

First Year Students

First-Year students are those who have earned high school diplomas or the equivalent by the time they enroll at Penn State. These applicants include those who completed college courses while in high school, and/or attempt 17 or fewer credits at another regionally accredited college or university following high school graduation before enrolling at Penn State. Applicants who attended Penn State on a non-degree basis while in high school are considered first-year applicants applying this same criteria.

Learn more at "Information for First-Year Students" on the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site.

Adult Learners

Penn State defines an adult learner applicant as those who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • 24 years of age or older;
  • a veteran of the armed services;
  • returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity;
  • a person who assumes multiple adult roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.

Learn more at "Information for Adult Students" on the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site and Penn State Altoona's Adult Center.

Learn about Penn State Altoona's Preschool services and Child Care Subsidy.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are those who have earned high school diplomas or the equivalent and attempted 18 or more credits at another regionally accredited college or university following high school graduation before enrolling at Penn State.

Learn more at "Information for Transfer Students" on the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site.

International Students

International Students are those who require any type of visa to attend Penn State.

Learn more at "Information for International Students" on the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site and International Student Services.

Veterans

Applicants who meet the definition of veteran are considered adult learners in the application process.

Since the DD Form 214 is issued to those leaving the active military as well as to members of the National Guard and Reserves completing their initial active duty for training, possession of this document does not necessarily mean the student is a veteran.

A veteran is defined as a former member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions, which were other than dishonorable. There is no minimum number of days a student must have served on active duty to be considered a veteran.

However, periods of active duty for training, pursuant to an enlistment in the National Guard or Reserves, do not qualify a student as a veteran. Thus former or current members of the National Guard or Reserves are not considered to be veterans unless they had prior or subsequent service with an active component of the Armed Forces. Reservists called to active duty by Executive Order qualify as veterans.

Persons who attended military academies are now considered veterans for financial aid purposes.

Applicants who meet the criteria of the definition should check "yes" to the vet question on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on the Future Students page.

Learn more at "Information for Adult Students" on the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site and the Veterans Education Benefits site.

Dual Enrollment Students

Qualified high school seniors can schedule on-campus courses at a 50% tuition reduction through Penn State Altoona's Preparatory Academic Collegiate Experience Program (PACE).

Returning to the University

Former Penn State students who wish to return to Penn State as an undergraduate student after missing at least one fall or spring semester - including associate and baccalaureate graduates - may submit a request to do so. The process for returning is based on a student's status when they were last enrolled.

Former Provisional or Nondegree students who have an interest in returning to Penn State should contact the Office of Admissions at 814-949-5466 to talk with an admissions counselor about applying for degree status.

Learn more at the "Information for Returning Penn State Students" page of the Undergraduate Admissions Web site.

Change of Campus Students

Currently-enrolled Penn State students who have an interest in relocating to another Penn State campus follow the Change of Campus procedure, which starts by contacting the Registrar's Office at the student's current campus of enrollment.

Learn more at "Basic Steps to Change of Campus" on the Penn State Altoona Registrar Web site.