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The Essential Penn State School Codes: FAFSA, SAT, And ACT Codes You Must Know For 2025-2026

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Applying to Penn State University, one of the largest public universities in the United States, requires more than just a strong academic record; it demands precision with crucial administrative details, particularly the various institutional codes. These seemingly small numbers are the keys that unlock your financial aid package, ensure your standardized test scores reach the correct admissions office, and formalize your application for the upcoming academic year. As of , the most critical code for prospective and current students remains the Federal School Code, which is essential for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The good news for applicants is that The Pennsylvania State University uses a single, unified set of codes that apply to all its campus locations, from the flagship University Park to the growing World Campus and the 20+ Commonwealth Campuses. Navigating the application process for the 2025-2026 academic year has been simplified, but knowing the exact codes and how to use them is non-negotiable for a smooth and successful application experience.

Key Penn State Codes at a Glance: Your 2025-2026 Application Checklist

The following is a comprehensive list of the official and current codes you will need when applying for admission and financial aid to any Penn State campus location. Using the wrong code can lead to significant delays in receiving your financial aid offer or processing your application materials.

  • Federal School Code (FAFSA/Title IV Code): 003329
  • SAT Code (CEEB Code/College Board Code): 2660
  • ACT Code: 3656
  • GRE Code: 2660 (Note: This is the same as the SAT/CEEB code)
  • TOEFL Code: 2660 (Note: This is the same as the SAT/CEEB code)

The Federal School Code (FAFSA Code): 003329

The Federal School Code, also known as the Title IV Code, is arguably the most important number for any student seeking financial assistance. This five-digit code is required when completing the FAFSA, the application used to determine eligibility for federal student aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans.

Crucial Update for 2025-2026 Applicants: Penn State's official Federal School Code is 003329, and this code is universally applicable to all Penn State locations, including University Park, Penn State World Campus, and all Commonwealth Campuses (such as Penn State Altoona, Penn State Berks, and Penn State Harrisburg).

A common point of confusion for students is the "campus selection" dilemma, especially during the new FAFSA application cycle. Because Penn State operates a centralized financial aid system, all federal aid is processed through the main institutional code. If the FAFSA form prompts you to select a specific campus after entering the code 003329, you should select the main campus, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park.

Submitting the FAFSA is the single required step to apply for the vast majority of financial aid at Penn State, including many University-specific scholarships.

Standardized Test Codes: SAT, ACT, and CEEB

For undergraduate admissions, standardized test scores from the SAT and ACT are often a key component of a student's application profile. Even with Penn State's current test-optional policy, which is in effect through Fall 2026, students who choose to submit their scores must use the correct institution codes to ensure the results are sent directly from the testing agency to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

SAT and CEEB Code: 2660

The College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Code is a unique six-digit identifier used by the College Board for all its programs, including the SAT. Penn State's CEEB code is 2660. This is the code you must use when requesting that the College Board send your official SAT scores to Penn State.

This same code, 2660, is also used for sending scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students applying to graduate programs or international applicants, streamlining the submission process across different College Board platforms.

ACT Code: 3656

The ACT code for Penn State is 3656. You will use this code when requesting that the ACT testing agency send your official ACT scores electronically to the university. Just like the FAFSA and SAT codes, this single ACT code applies to all Penn State campus locations, ensuring your scores are routed to the central admissions system for evaluation.

Admissions Policy Note: Penn State's admissions process is highly competitive, especially for programs at University Park. The university's policy for students who submit scores is to consider the highest combined score from a single test date (superscoring is not explicitly mentioned, so relying on the single highest composite score is the safest approach).

Why the Single Code Policy is a Major Advantage for Students

Unlike many large university systems that require a different Federal School Code for each campus (e.g., a separate code for the main campus, a branch campus, and an online division), Penn State's unified code structure offers a significant advantage to applicants.

The use of a single Federal School Code (003329) and a single set of standardized test codes (SAT: 2660, ACT: 3656) means:

  • Simplified FAFSA Filing: You only need to list Penn State once on your FAFSA, regardless of whether you are applying to University Park, Penn State Erie (The Behrend College), or Penn State Abington. This prevents errors that could delay your federal student aid package.
  • Easy Campus Transfer: If you start at a Commonwealth Campus and plan to "change of campus" (the process known as the 2+2 plan) to University Park later, your financial aid application is already in the system, simplifying the transition.
  • Streamlined Score Submission: You do not need to worry about which specific campus you are applying to when sending your SAT or ACT scores; the central code ensures they reach the correct admissions file.

For transfer students, the process is equally straightforward. If you are transferring from another institution, you simply need to update your existing FAFSA with Penn State's federal school code, 003329, to ensure your eligibility for federal and state aid is assessed for your new enrollment.

Tips for Using Your Penn State School Codes Correctly

To ensure your application and financial aid process is as efficient as possible, keep these final tips in mind:

  1. Verify the FAFSA Year: Always ensure you are completing the correct FAFSA form for the academic year you plan to attend (e.g., the 2025-2026 FAFSA for the Fall 2025 semester).
  2. Use the FSA ID: The FAFSA requires you and a parent (if dependent) to have an FSA ID, which acts as your electronic signature. Ensure this is set up well in advance of the financial aid deadline.
  3. Don't Wait on Scores: If you are choosing to submit standardized test scores, request them to be sent using codes 2660 (SAT/CEEB) or 3656 (ACT) at the time you take the test or immediately after. While test scores can be self-reported during the application, official scores must be received directly from the testing agency for final verification.
  4. Monitor Your Student Portal: After submitting your application and FAFSA, regularly check your MyPennState student portal for any missing documents, verification requests, or updates to your financial aid status.

By prioritizing the correct use of the Penn State school codes—003329 for financial aid and 2660/3656 for admissions—you will successfully navigate the administrative hurdles and focus on the exciting prospect of becoming a Nittany Lion.

The Essential Penn State School Codes: FAFSA, SAT, and ACT Codes You Must Know for 2025-2026
penn state school code
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