First-Year Students

Kutztown University operates on rolling admissions. We recommend that you apply between August and December of your senior year of high school to ensure scholarship consideration. A final high school transcript is required upon graduation.

• 2025-2026 In-State Student Average Yearly Cost of Tuition and Scholarships

  Kutztown University Merit Scholarships

  Kutztown University automatically reviews students for merit scholarships based on academic performance at the time of acceptance.  Students who qualify for a merit scholarship are guaranteed the award as long as they maintain the academic standards listed in their acceptance letter for eight continuous Fall and Spring semesters.  Questions about merit scholarships should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@kutztown.edu. 

  Donor scholarships are not automatically awarded.  All students, new and returning, must complete the scholarship profile to be reviewed based upon the qualifications set by the donor and academic department by the established deadline here.  Questions about donor scholarships should be directed to the Financial Aid Services Office at financialaid@kutztown.edu. 

  Note: University employee-dependent students are not eligible for merit scholarships, as they receive a tuition waiver.

  Pennsylvania Residents
  Tuition and Fees	$11,544
  Room and Meal Plan (on average*)	$12,014
  Total	$23,558*

  *Pricing varies by residence hall and dining plan options.  Click here for more details regarding pricing and affordability.

  Merit Scholarships for First Year In-State Students (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

  HS GPA	Scholarship	Amount
  4.0-3.85	Presidential	$5000
  3.84-3.5	Founders	$3000
  3.49-3.0	Outstanding	$2000
  2.99-2.75	Emerging	$1000

• 2025-2026 Out-of-State Student Average Yearly Cost of Tuition and Scholarships

  Kutztown University Merit Scholarships

  Kutztown University automatically reviews students for merit scholarships based on academic performance at the time of acceptance.  Students who qualify for a merit scholarship are guaranteed the award as long as they maintain the academic standards listed in their acceptance letter for eight continuous Fall and Spring semesters.  Questions about merit scholarships should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@kutztown.edu. 

  Donor scholarships are not automatically awarded.  All students, new and returning, must complete the scholarship profile to be reviewed based upon the qualifications set by the donor and academic department by the established deadline here.  Questions about donor scholarships should be directed to the Financial Aid Services Office at financialaid@kutztown.edu. 

  Note: University employee-dependent students are not eligible for merit scholarships, as they receive a tuition waiver.

  Out of State Residents
  Tuition and Fees	$16,668
  Room and Meal Plan (on average*)	$12,014
  Total	$28,682**

  *Pricing varies by residence hall and dining plan options.  Click here for more details regarding pricing and affordability.  Total cost includes the out-of-state tuition discount.

  ** Specific renewal criteria applies.

  Merit Scholarships for First Year Out-of-State Students (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

  HS GPA	Scholarship	Amount
  4.0-3.85	Presidential	$6000
  3.84-3.5	Founders	$5000
  3.49-3.0	Outstanding	$4000
  2.99-2.75	Emerging	$1500

• Visual and Performing Arts Major Requirements

  The following programs require additional items: 

  • Animated Arts
  • Art
  • Art Education
  • Art Education: Alternative Settings
  • Commercial Music
  • Communication Design
  • Music 
  • Music Education
  • Music Performance

• Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and CLEP

  Advanced Placement Credits and CLEP scores can be reviewed for academic credit. AP and CLEP scores will not be taken from high school or college transcripts. An official score report must be sent from the College Board directly to KU.  Scores of 3 or higher on some AP exams and scores passed at the 50th percentile for CLEP may be considered for credit at KU. 

  KU also reviews dual enrollment coursework for college courses at the 100-level or higher with a minimum grade of C-.  Please arrange for the college transcript to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions directly from the institution.

• Recommended Coursework for Applicants

  Kutztown University strongly encourages students to pursue a college-preparatory program in high school.  This includes:

  • Four years of Language Arts
  • Three years of Mathematics
  • Three years of Science
  • Three years of Social Studies
• Early College Academy for Education

  KU's College of Education, in partnership with area high schools, is helping to create accelerated access to careers in education with this unique, dual enrollment program.

  How it Works

  High school students who have a general interest in working with children and education studies, can attend classes on KU’s campus where they take two courses in the fall semester and two in the spring. The four courses count toward majors in education.

  Learn more here!

• Summer Talent Academy for Rising Stars (STARS) Program

  The Summer Talent Academy for Rising Stars (STARS) Program supports selected incoming freshmen designed to familiarize them with the rigor of KU’s academic offerings while offering mentorship, advisement, support, and social activities.  The program is a five-week on-campus experience that provides two courses (six college-level credits). 

• Providing Resources and Opportunities for Future Standouts (PROFS) Program for current or former members of the foster care system

  Students who are current or former members of the foster care system are invited to become part of the PROFS program at KU, which connects students to campus resources that will help them succeed.  Learn about the benefits of this program here!