8 Best Test-Optional Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025

<p>Choosing a college can feel overwhelming, but many schools are making the process simpler. More and more <a href="https://learn.org/articles/test_optional_colleges.html">test optional colleges</a> are focusing on a student's full story, not just test scores. This means your grades, essays, and activities matter more than ever. </p> <p>Pennsylvania has many great colleges that use this approach. This article will help you learn about some of the top test-optional schools in the state, including their admissions, what they offer, and what makes them special. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesTestOptionalMean">What Does Test Optional Mean?</h2> <p>Test-optional means you can choose whether or not to send in your SAT or ACT scores when you apply to college. You don't have to submit them to be considered for admission, but if you think your scores will help your application, you can still include them. </p> <p>Colleges with this policy look at your whole application. They check your high school grades, the difficulty of your classes, your essays, letters from teachers, and what you do outside of school. This way, they get a full picture of you and your potential, which can make applying less stressful and open doors for more students. </p> <h2 id="section---Top10TestOptionalCollegesInPennsylvania">Top 10 Test-Optional Colleges in Pennsylvania</h2> <p>If you are looking for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_no_sat_act_requirements.html">colleges that don't require SAT or ACT score</a>, Pennsylvania has many great options. Here is a detailed list of 10 excellent test-optional colleges in the state, ordered by estimated tuition cost from most affordable to most expensive, along with key details about their programs and policies. </p> <h3 id="section---1.IndianaUniversityOfPennsylvania">1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers a test-optional admissions policy, allowing applicants to be reviewed based on their high school GPA, academic courses, and other achievements instead of SAT or ACT scores. This approach helps create a more well-rounded view of each student. </p> <p>IUP provides many different bachelor's degree programs, including popular choices like nursing, business, education, and criminology. The university also offers various online courses and some fully online degree programs, providing flexible options for students who prefer distance learning. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.WestChesterUniversityOfPennsylvania">2. West Chester University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>West Chester University of Pennsylvania has a test-optional admissions process, evaluating your application based on your high school coursework, grades, and essay. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required. </p> <p>The university has bachelor's degree programs across areas such as health sciences, education, business, and arts and humanities. For added convenience, West Chester University offers numerous online courses and select online bachelor's degree completion programs, catering to students seeking adaptable learning formats. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.MillersvilleUniversity">3. Millersville University</h3> <p>Millersville University has adopted a test-optional approach for admissions, meaning you do not need to provide SAT or ACT scores. Admissions decisions are based on a thorough consideration of your academic background, including your high school transcript and completed coursework. Your application essay and extracurricular involvement also contribute to the evaluation. </p> <p>The university provides a range of bachelor's degree programs, with some available online, such as nursing and applied engineering and technology, supporting students who seek online learning opportunities. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.CommonwealthUniversityOfPennsylvania">4. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>Commonwealth University, which includes campuses at Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg, offers a test-optional admissions policy. Instead, the admissions team considers your academic performance in high school, the difficulty of your courses, and other relevant information. </p> <p>The university offers many online bachelor's degree programs across various fields, including business administration, technical leadership, early childhood education, criminal justice, public health, and psychology. This provides flexible learning paths and convenient formats for students seeking accessible education. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.PennsylvaniaWesternUniversity">5. Pennsylvania Western University</h3> <p>Pennsylvania Western University offers test-optional admissions. This policy means standardized test scores are not required for your application. The admissions team looks closely at your high school academic performance, the level of challenge in your courses, and other supporting materials like your personal statement. Numerous online bachelor's degree programs are available, including criminal justice, business administration, and psychology, offering significant flexibility for students to study remotely and manage other commitments. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $7,716 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.ShippensburgUniversity">6. Shippensburg University</h3> <p>Shippensburg University provides a test-optional pathway for admission. You can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. The university assesses your high school academic record, including your grades and the rigor of your curriculum. They also consider other application materials, such as essays or recommendations, to understand your strengths. </p> <p>The school offers various bachelor's degree programs, with online options available for specific majors like criminal justice, technical leadership, and business administration, offering flexibility for distance learners. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $9,570 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.TempleUniversity">7. Temple University</h3> <p>Temple University is test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission. Your application will be assessed through a holistic review that considers your academic record, essay, and extracurricular activities. </p> <p>Temple University offers over 150 bachelor's degree programs, with strong offerings in areas like business, communication, engineering, and health professions. Many of these programs also offer online course options, and some fully online bachelor's degrees are available for students who need flexible study arrangements. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $18,864 per year </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.DuquesneUniversity">8. Duquesne University</h3> <p>At Duquesne University, you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores, thanks to its test-optional admissions policy. The university looks at your high school academic performance, including your GPA and the rigor of your coursework. Your essay and recommendations are also key components of their thorough evaluation. </p> <p>Duquesne University's bachelor's degree programs cover diverse fields such as nursing, pharmacy, business, and liberal arts. Online learning is an option here, with various online courses and some full online bachelor's degree programs available to fit your schedule. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $49,986 </li><li>Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h2 id="section---OnlineTestOptionalColleges">Online Test-Optional Colleges</h2> <p>In order to provide you with the most accessible, affordable options, we've included several more online colleges outside the state of Pennsylvania that do not require you to submit standardized test scores. </p> <h3 id="section---SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">Southern New Hampshire University</h3> <p>Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is test-optional for undergraduate admissions; you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. SNHU considers applications holistically, focusing on your high school transcript and other academic achievements. The university also has no undergraduate GPA requirement for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of students. </p> <p>SNHU offers over 200 online bachelor's degrees, providing a wide variety of program choices. Popular online bachelor's programs include business administration, psychology, nursing, criminal justice, and graphic design. The online format provides flexible learning opportunities, allowing you to complete your degree from anywhere. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $330 per credit hour </li><li>Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfMarylandGlobalCampus">University of Maryland Global Campus</h3> <p>The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a leading online institution with a test-optional admissions policy. UMGC focuses on providing accessible education, especially for adult learners and military personnel. </p> <p>They offer a wide range of online bachelor's degree programs in in-demand fields like business administration, data science, computer science, and cybersecurity. Its flexible online format and affordable per-credit tuition make it a highly convenient option. </p> <ul><li>Estimated tuition cost: $324 per credit hour (in-state); $499 per credit hour (out-of-state) *Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>We rank these test-optional colleges in Pennsylvania based on several key factors to help you find the best fit. </p> <ul><li>Accreditation: We prioritize institutions that are regionally accredited. This ensures your degree is widely accepted by employers and other colleges. </li><li>Admissions requirements: Our main focus is on schools with clear and student-friendly test-optional policies. We also look at how thorough their review process is, ensuring they truly consider more than just test scores. </li><li>Affordability: Tuition cost is a big factor. We list schools from the lowest estimated annual undergraduate tuition for in-state (if applicable) or general tuition for private institutions, to help you find options that match your budget. </li></ul><h2 id="section---WhyDoCollegesUseTestOptionalAdmissions">Why Do Colleges Use Test-Optional Admissions?</h2> <p>Colleges use test-optional admissions to be fair and include more different kinds of students. They know that standardized tests might not show what every student can do, especially if students don't have many resources for test prep or face other challenges. </p> <p>By going test-optional, colleges want to lower the stress of testing, get more applications from varied backgrounds, and welcome a diverse group of students who bring different experiences to campus. This change helps admissions officers look more closely at your school grades, personal qualities, and unique talents. </p> <h2 id="section---HowDoesATestOptionalPolicyAffectCollegeAdmissions">How Does a Test-Optional Policy Affect College Admissions?</h2> <p>A test-optional policy changes how colleges look at your application. Instead of test scores being a main filter, admissions teams now focus more on other parts of your application. This includes your high school GPA, how challenging your classes were, how well you write your essays, strong letters from teachers, and what activities you do outside of class. This approach can lead to more students applying, which might make it more competitive. </p> <p>However, if you have good grades and a strong personal story but lower test scores, this policy can make it easier to get in by removing a major hurdle. If you rely heavily on high test scores to make up for other weaker areas, it might be harder, as other parts of your application will get more attention. </p> <h2 id="section---BenefitsOfApplyingToTestOptionalColleges">Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges</h2> <p>Applying to test-optional colleges offers several key advantages. For one, it significantly cuts down on the stress tied to preparing for and taking standardized tests. This frees you to focus more energy on your academic pursuits and extracurriculars, which often better reflect your genuine interests and capabilities. </p> <p>Plus, these policies promote fairness, opening up higher education to a wider range of students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those without access to costly test preparation. Another benefit is the chance to showcase your strengths, like writing, leadership, or unique talents, rather than having your potential defined solely by a test score. This approach can be particularly beneficial, especially if you're looking for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/anxiety_in_college_students.html">test anxiety strategies</a>. </p> <h2 id="section---DecidingOnTestScoreSubmissionForTestOptionalColleges">Deciding on Test Score Submission for Test-Optional Colleges</h2> <p>Even without the requirement of submitting standardized test scores, a strong application to a test-optional college still requires strategic planning and careful presentation of your strengths. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process effectively. </p> <h3 id="section---ShouldYouSubmitYourTestScores">Should You Submit Your Test Scores?</h3> <p>The decision to submit your SAT or ACT scores to a test-optional college is a deeply personal one, hinging entirely on your unique circumstances and how effectively those scores demonstrate your academic prowess. Factors such as how you performed on test day, any access you had to test preparation resources, and how consistently your scores align with your high school grades should all be carefully considered. It's about strategically presenting the most compelling academic profile possible for your college applications. </p> <h4 id="section---WhenToSubmitTestScores">When To Submit Test Scores</h4> <p>If your standardized test scores are strong and either meet or exceed the average scores of students typically admitted to your chosen institutions, you should seriously consider submitting them. A robust test score can act as powerful corroboration of your academic abilities, thereby enhancing the overall strength of your application and potentially making you a more competitive candidate. </p> <p>Certain test-optional colleges might still factor in scores when awarding specific merit scholarships or admitting students into specialized academic programs. In such scenarios, a high score could indeed unlock additional opportunities for you. </p> <h4 id="section---WhenNotToSubmitTestScores">When Not To Submit Test Scores</h4> <p>It is generally wise to refrain from submitting your standardized test scores if they fall noticeably below the average score range for admitted students at a particular institution. You should also opt out if you genuinely believe the scores do not accurately represent your true academic capabilities. </p> <p>In these situations, your best strategy is to emphasize other compelling components of your application. Focusing on a high GPA, the challenge of your high school coursework, a well-crafted and insightful essay, and your significant involvement in extracurricular activities will collectively create a more favorable overall applicant profile. Remember, a test-optional policy means that your application will be given full consideration without any reliance on test scores. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTestOptionalSchoolsInPennsylvania">FAQs About Test-Optional Schools in Pennsylvania</h2> <p>Many students and families have questions about test-optional colleges. Here are five common questions about test-optional schools in Pennsylvania, with answers to help you make informed choices. </p> <h3 id="section---DoTestOptionalSchoolsAcceptLowerGPAs">Do Test-Optional Schools Accept Lower GPAs?</h3> <p>Test-optional schools evaluate applications holistically, looking at many factors beyond just GPA and test scores. While a strong GPA is always good, test-optional policies can help you if you have a slightly lower GPA but can show you're ready for college through challenging classes, good essays, strong letters of recommendation, and important extracurricular activities. </p> <p>These schools are often more open to understanding your high school experience and what you bring to the campus, offering ways for you to get in even if you might otherwise struggle to gain admission to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/colleges_that_accept_a_low_gpa.html">colleges that accept a low GPA</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---IsItHarderToGetIntoTestOptionalSchools">Is It Harder To Get Into Test-Optional Schools?</h3> <p>How hard it is to get into test-optional schools can vary. These policies often lead to more applications, which can increase competition. However, they also give more students a chance to apply. </p> <p>If you have strong grades and a good personal story but lower test scores, test-optional policies can make admission easier by removing a big barrier. But if you rely a lot on high test scores to make up for weaker areas in your application, it might feel harder, as other parts of your application will be looked at more closely. </p> <h3 id="section---CanITransferToATestOptionalSchoolIfIHaveAnAssociateDegree">Can I Transfer to a Test-Optional School if I Have an Associate Degree?</h3> <p>Many test-optional four-year colleges are very transfer-friendly, especially if you have an associate degree. These institutions often streamline the process for students coming from community colleges or other institutions, accepting a significant number of credits. This means you can often enter as a junior, saving both time and money. </p> <h3 id="section---DoTestOptionalSchoolsFavorCertainApplicants">Do Test-Optional Schools Favor Certain Applicants?</h3> <p>Some students wonder if test-optional schools might favor applicants who submit strong scores over those who don't. The aim of test-optional policies is to provide a fairer process for everyone. Colleges that embrace this approach are genuinely seeking diverse and well-rounded students, and they strive to ensure that applicants who choose not to submit scores are not disadvantaged. Your overall academic record, personal qualities, and demonstrated potential carry significant weight, ensuring an equitable evaluation for all applicants. </p> <h3 id="section---WhichPennsylvaniaCollegesAreTestBlind">Which Pennsylvania Colleges Are Test-Blind?</h3> <p>While many Pennsylvania colleges are test-optional, meaning scores are considered if submitted but not required, fewer institutions are fully test-blind, where scores are not considered at all, even if you provide them. Policies can change, so for the most up-to-date list of test-blind colleges in Pennsylvania, you should always check the official admissions websites of individual institutions. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreDegreePrograms">Explore Degree Programs</h2> <p>Discover the online degree programs featured here on Learn.org and begin your path toward a rewarding career today. By pursuing a degree online, you can gain new skills, advance in your current field, or transition into a new career path, ultimately empowering you to achieve your professional aspirations.</p>