Q. What is FERPA and how does it impact me as the parent or family member?
A. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the student’s educational record. Information from a student’s educational record cannot be released to anyone other than the student unless explicit consent is given by the student. This includes, but is not limited to, grades, enrollment, degree progress or any personally identifiable student information. Penn State’s FERPA overview and responsibilities are found here. FERPA’s impact on the parent or family member is that no information will be released without the student’s consent. Penn State’s FERPA overview details how a Penn State student can give consent for information to be released. Delegated access and FERPA consent are not the same thing.
Q. When will my student need to relocate to University Park campus?
A. Typically, if a change to University Park is required for their major, students will change their campus after completing their first two years of full-time study toward a baccalaureate degree. That said, not every student or major fits neatly into this model. By taking a proactive approach to planning and meeting regularly with their academic adviser, students stay on track. The change of campus website has good information to guide students through this process.
Q. Are there residence halls/housing for students at Penn State York
A. Penn State York is a commuter campus, we do not have on-campus residence halls. However, there are a variety of off-campus housing options convenient to campus. To assist in the search for housing, we have compiled a housing list for your reference. Please call the student affairs office at 717-771-4045 if we can assist.
Q. How can I arrange a campus tour/visit?
A. Penn State York hosts several open houses and information sessions throughout the year, where students and families can learn more about Penn State, the admission process, financial aid, majors and more. Students and parents can also schedule individual appointments with admissions counselors. View and register for upcoming events or contact Admissions.
Q. How and when should my student apply?
A. We recommend that applications for first-year admissions be submitted by November 30th. Applications will be accepted after that and will be evaluated in a rolling fashion. Transfer applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible prior to the semester that they plan to enroll. Late applicants may be at a disadvantage to financial aid and scheduling. Apply online now.
Q. What factors are considered when reviewing my student's application?
A. For first-year freshman, 2/3 of the admission decision is based upon the high school grades and courses and 1/3 is based on a combination of factors including SAT or ACT scores, activities, awards and honors. Transfer admission criteria may vary depending on major and campus. For most programs, a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative college grade-point average (GPA)is required to be eligible to apply. View transfer requirements and transfer credit information.
Q. What is the minimum high school grade-point average and SAT/ACT score for admissions?
A. There is no minimum high school GPA or standardized test score required for admissions. Consult our statistical information for the students we accepted last year to get an estimate of your eligibility if you're a first-year student.
Q. How is my student notified about the admission decision?
A. Applicants may continuously check the status of their application online through their My Penn State Account, which they created when they submitted the online application. If they did not apply online, they can still create a My Penn State Account. In addition, all students are notified through the mail regarding the outcome of the application evaluation.
Q. What is Penn State York's SAT code?
A. 2660
Q. What is Penn State York's ACT code?
A. 3656
Q. Can my student start and finish a degree at Penn State York?
A. Yes! We offer several bachelor and associate degrees.
Q. If my student starts at Penn State York, can they complete their degree at University Park, Penn State Harrisburg, or another campus?
A. Although students can complete several bachelor’s degree programs at our campus, many students will complete the first two years of the program here and then transition to University Park or another Penn State campus to finish their degree program.
Q. How does my student move from Penn State York to another Penn State campus?
A. At the end of the second year, most students work with their academic advisor to submit the change of campus request for formal entry into their major for the start of the third year.
Q. Can my student live on campus?
A. Penn State York does not provide on-campus housing to students. The Penn State York Office of Student Affairs can help with your off-campus housing search.