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Penn State Altoona
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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Honors Program

Criteria for Admission

From High School: High school seniors must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.6. In addition, it is preferred that the applicant have an SAT score of at least 1200 (on the new SAT) OR an ACT score of at least 24. Penn State is test optional through fall 2026; please do offer them if you do take the exams. We encourage incoming first-year students interested in the Penn State Altoona Honors Program to submit their applications by March 15; however, applications will be considered until Monday, four weeks before the fall semester begins.

From Penn State: Full-time students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Part-time students must have earned a minimum of 30 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Your application for the honors program must be received by the end of the second week of the semester in which you intend to start your honors work.

Interested in joining us in the Penn State Altoona Honors Program? The Honors Program Application is available online.

Any student applying must intend to complete at least two full semesters at Penn State Altoona after their admission into the Honors Program.

Criteria for Retention

Grade Requirement: a cumulative Penn State GPA of 3.33. If an Honor Student’s overall GPA drops below 3.33, they will receive a warning letter from the Honors Coordinator, giving the student one semester within which to bring their cumulative GPA back to 3.33. If the Honor Student fails to do so, they will be dismissed from the Honors Program.

Curricular Requirement: Honors students must take (on average) one Honors Section or Honors Option per semester (see the Honors Program Curriculum page). If a student falls behind in this requirement, they will receive a warning letter from the Honors Coordinator. The student then will have one semester to take the needed Honors Sections or Honors Options.

Honors Program

  • Request Information about the Honors Program
  • Criteria for Admission
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    • International Education Scholarship Application
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  • Honors Program Frequently Asked Questions

Events for Honors Students

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See Also

  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fair
  • Common Read
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
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    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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