If you’re looking at colleges in Pennsylvania, you’ve probably bumped into Susquehanna University. It’s that scenic spot in Selinsgrove with the orange and maroon colors and a reputation for sending literally everyone abroad. But if you’re trying to figure out your chances of actually getting in, the acceptance rate Susquehanna University puts out can feel like just another number in a sea of stats.
Honestly? It’s not as scary as you might think.
For the most recent 2024–2025 admission cycle, the acceptance rate Susquehanna University reported sat at 81.43%. That’s actually a bit of a jump from previous years where it hovered around 76% or 78%. Basically, out of 5,513 hopeful students who hit "submit" on their applications, about 4,489 received that "You’re In!" email.
Does that mean it’s easy? Not necessarily. It just means they aren't trying to play the "exclusivity game" that some Ivy-adjacent schools love to play. They want students who actually want to be there.
The Real Numbers Behind the Acceptance Rate Susquehanna University
When you look at the long-term trend, Susquehanna is becoming slightly more accessible, but their standards for who actually gets a seat in the classroom haven't really dropped. In 2023, the rate was 78.7%. Go back a decade, and it was closer to 72%.
You might wonder why the number is climbing. It’s often a mix of things—more students applying through the Common App (which makes it easier to "throw an app" at a school) and the university’s own goal of growing certain programs like their Sigmund Weis School of Business.
What the typical "admitted" student looks like
Even with an 81% acceptance rate, you can't just sleep through high school and expect a win. The middle 50% of students who actually enroll have some pretty solid stats.
Average GPA: 3.7 Most people getting in are pulling mostly A’s and B’s. If you’re sitting at a 3.3, you aren't out of the running, but you'll want to make sure your "extras" are top-tier.
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SAT Scores: 1100–1270 About 74% of applicants still submit these, even though the school is test-optional. The average composite usually lands right around 1200.
ACT Scores: 24–28 Only about 15% of students send these in, but if you do, aiming for a 26 is the "sweet spot."
Is Susquehanna Actually Selective?
Sorta. It’s what experts call "moderately selective."
If you compare it to a place like UPenn (which is under 6%), Susquehanna looks like a breeze. But compare it to a large state school with a 90%+ rate, and you see they’re still doing some gatekeeping. They turn away nearly 20 out of every 100 students.
What’s interesting is the "yield" rate. Only about 13.5% of people who get accepted actually end up on campus in the fall. This tells us that Susquehanna is often a "target" or "safety" school for students also looking at places like Bucknell, Gettysburg, or Lafayette.
The "Holistic" Loophole
Here is the thing: Susquehanna uses a holistic review process. I know, every school says that. But here, they actually mean it.
They are famously test-optional. If your SAT scores make you want to hide under a rock, you don't have to show them. They’d much rather see a killer recommendation letter from a teacher who knows you’ve worked your tail off, or a creative portfolio if you’re going into the arts.
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One thing they really care about? Global Perspective. Every single student at Susquehanna has to study away. It’s part of the "GO Program." If your application shows that you’re curious about the world or have a history of trying new things, you’re going to look a lot better than someone with a 4.0 who never leaves their room.
Breaking down the gender gap
It’s worth noting that more women apply—and get in—than men.
For the 2025 cycle:
- Women’s Acceptance Rate: 83.32%
- Men’s Acceptance Rate: 80.81%
It’s a small gap, but it reflects a national trend where women are applying to liberal arts colleges in much higher numbers.
Does the Acceptance Rate Affect Ranking?
You’d think a high acceptance rate would hurt their prestige, but the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 rankings actually put Susquehanna at No. 191 in the country. That puts them in the top 30% of all colleges.
They also hit the Top 100 for National Liberal Arts Universities in U.S. News & World Report.
Why? Because the "acceptance rate Susquehanna University" maintains isn't the only thing people care about anymore. Ranking bodies are looking more at "value-added"—basically, how much better off are you after you graduate? Susquehanna scores incredibly high on social mobility and salary outcomes.
How to Win the Admissions Game Here
If you want to be part of that 81%, don't just go through the motions.
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- Apply Early Action: Their deadline is November 1st. It doesn't bind you to the school, but it shows them you're serious.
- Focus on the "GO" Factor: Talk about your desire to experience other cultures in your essay. It’s their whole "thing."
- Get a Solid Recommendation: They require at least one. Pick the teacher who saw you struggle and then succeed, not just the one who gave you an easy A.
Important Deadlines to Circle
- Early Decision (Binding): November 15
- Early Action (Non-Binding): November 1
- Regular Decision: February 1
Final Verdict on Your Chances
The acceptance rate Susquehanna University offers is a green light for most solid students. If you have a GPA above a 3.0 and a decent record of doing something outside of class—sports, theater, a part-time job at the local pizza place—your odds are very high.
Don't let the 81% number make you think the degree is "easy" to get. Once you're in, the School of Business and the sciences are notoriously rigorous. They let a lot of people in the front door, but they expect you to move fast once you're inside.
Your Next Steps:
- Calculate your unweighted GPA: If you are below a 3.3, start prepping for the SAT/ACT to provide "proof" of your academic ability, even if the school is test-optional.
- Visit the Selinsgrove campus: Susquehanna tracks "demonstrated interest." Showing up for a tour can actually nudge your application into the "yes" pile.
- Draft your essay around a global theme: Since every student must study abroad, showing you already have a "Global Opportunities" mindset makes you a perfect fit for their culture.