More selective than 26% of Ohio colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
17% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 78% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose Youngstown State University over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
What Youngstown State University weighs when deciding
How much each part of an application counts for first-year applicants, as Youngstown State University reports it. Programs with their own criteria (nursing, music, honors) can weigh things differently.
- Rigor of high school courses
- High school GPA
- SAT/ACT scores
- Class rank
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent or ability
- Character and personal qualities
- First-generation college student
- Alumni relation (legacy)
- Where you live
- State residency
- Religious affiliation
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
- Your demonstrated interest
Item C7. Common Data Set 2025-26 (fall 2025 first-year students), published by the college.
High school GPA of Youngstown State University first-year students
Share of fall 2025 first-year students in each high school GPA range; the average was 3.07. Colleges report GPAs as they record them, weighted or not.
21% of first-year students reported a high school GPA.
Items C11-C12; enrolled students, not admitted students. Common Data Set 2025-26 (fall 2025 first-year students), published by the college.
Early decision, early action and the waitlist
Items C2, C21-C22. Common Data Set 2025-26 (fall 2025 first-year students), published by the college.
Youngstown State University SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, Youngstown State University is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 510 | 620 |
| SAT math | 500 | 610 |
| ACT composite | 19 | 25 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1010 | 1230 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
Youngstown State University admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 84% | 510–620 | 500–610 | 19–25 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 80% | 480–600 | 460–610 | 17–24 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is Youngstown State University compared with other Ohio colleges?
Youngstown State University has the 46th-lowest acceptance rate of 62 Ohio colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Muskingum University | 82% | 56% | $19,532 |
| 43 | The University of Findlay | 83% | 58% | $27,221 |
| 44 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University | 84% | 68% | $22,421 |
| 45 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 84% | 54% | $10,420 |
| 46 | Youngstown State University | 84% | 50% | $12,767 |
| 47 | Otterbein University | 85% | 68% | $19,237 |
| 48 | Ohio University | 85% | 65% | $21,637 |
| 49 | University of Cincinnati | 85% | 75% | $25,648 |
| 50 | Heidelberg University | 86% | 52% | $20,556 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Ohio colleges →
Who enrolls at Youngstown State University
College Scorecard; IPEDS
Youngstown State University admissions questions
What is the Youngstown State University acceptance rate?
Youngstown State University accepts 84% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 4,658 of 5,799 applicants were admitted.
Does Youngstown State University require the SAT or ACT?
Youngstown State University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 17% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 78% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for Youngstown State University?
The middle 50% of Youngstown State University enrolled first-year students scored 1010–1230 on the SAT and 19–25 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at Youngstown State University?
28% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (1,317 of 4,658).
What does Youngstown State University look for in applicants?
Youngstown State University reports these as very important for first-year applicants: rigor of high school courses, high school GPA. Considered: sAT/ACT scores. (Common Data Set 2025-26).
Does Youngstown State University have early decision?
No. Youngstown State University does not offer binding early decision (Common Data Set 2025-26).
Is Youngstown State University getting harder to get into?
Youngstown State University accepted 84% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 80% for Fall 2023.
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; Youngstown State University's Common Data Set 2025-26; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Youngstown State University overview