Admit rate has ranged 71%–79% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public university with a laid-back, community-focused vibe and a strong emphasis on teacher education and health sciences. Known for its high acceptance rate (71%) and affordable net price (~$17K), SRU offers a balance of solid academics and vibrant student life, with over 200 clubs and a median graduate salary of $45K six years out.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
College-prep program
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
6,788
In-state tuition
$10,568
Out-of-state tuition
$14,676
Location
Slippery Rock, PA (1hr from Pittsburgh)
Student Clubs
200+
Acceptance Rate
71%
4-Year Grad Rate
51%
Median Salary (6 Years)
$45,398
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,032
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.7×
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
Graduation rate
66%
First-year retention
84%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
73%
Pell (lower-income) share
45%
First-generation share
29%
Endowment / student
$7,719
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$63,749
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians$60,213
Computer and Information Sciences, General$52,107
Information Science/Studies$45,145
Accounting and Related Services$42,123
Mathematics
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
4
Per 1,000 students
0.59
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
94
Summer high
79°F
Winter low
24°F
Annual rain
48.5"
Annual snow
32.5"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate is approximately 71% (Slippery Rock, PA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Admitted students at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania typically score 980–1190 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania cost?
At Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, the average net price (after aid) is about $19,608 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania?
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania enrolls approximately 6,788 undergraduate students.
Where is Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania located?
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is located in Slippery Rock, PA.
Admissions
SRU is moderately selective, with a 71% acceptance rate (sources vary slightly between 65-73%). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000-1190 on the SAT or 18-26 on the ACT. Transfer students make up a significant portion of the student body (1,789 students), and SAT/ACT scores are not required for them. The regular application deadline is November 15, though the university operates on rolling admissions for later applicants.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$40,132
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$39,369
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences$38,289
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
SRU offers 150+ undergraduate majors and minors, with standout programs in education (praised as 'excellent' by The Princeton Review) and health sciences. The university also provides 40+ graduate programs and online degree options, including a No. 169-ranked online bachelor’s program (U.S. News). While academics are described as 'solid but not overly demanding,' students appreciate the accessibility of faculty and opportunities for undergraduate research. The catalog includes niche offerings like an online BSBA in Accounting alongside traditional liberal arts and STEM fields.
Life at SRU revolves around its 200+ student clubs (from arts to intramurals) and a tight-knit campus culture. Highlights include:
Biannual Involvement Fair to connect students with organizations
Arts and cultural events like theater performances and art exhibits
A picturesque campus with modern facilities alongside historic buildings
Students describe the vibe as 'friendly' and 'engaged,' with ample opportunities to socialize through events or Greek life (though no dominance by sororities/fraternities). The university’s Instagram showcases hiking trips, rock-climbing walls, and other outdoor activities leveraging its western Pennsylvania location.
SRU’s four-year graduation rate is 51%, rising to 65.6% within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,398 six years post-graduation (U.S. News), though one-year-out earnings average $36,427 (Niche). The Wall Street Journal has recognized SRU for ROI, noting its education 'pays for itself' relatively quickly. For context, the average total degree cost is ~$103K, with a 2.8-year estimated payback period for graduates earning the typical salary.
SRU’s average net price is $16,616-$17,873/year after aid, with 59.6% of students receiving financial aid. The aid package averages $12,078, blending grants, loans, and work-study. Pennsylvania residents benefit from lower in-state tuition rates, though the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps estimate costs for all applicants. The university emphasizes affordability, with transparent breakdowns of tuition vs. living expenses.
SRU carves a niche as an accessible, community-oriented public university where students find a balance between academics and an active social life. Its strengths include:
Teacher education pipeline: A LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants. of shaping educators with hands-on training.
Outdoor-friendly campus: Proximity to state parks and recreational facilities.
Transfer-friendly policies: No SAT/ACT requirements for transfers and robust support services.
ROI focus: Recognized for delivering value, especially for in-state students seeking practical degrees.
It’s the kind of school where undergrads can ‘slide in’ without cutthroat competition but still graduate with employable skills—and without crippling debt.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania logo · sourceSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges · sourceSRU degrees ranked among the best in Pennsylvania by University HQ | Slippery Rock University · sourceSRU ranked among the Top 25 Safest College Campuses in America | Slippery Rock University · source
