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Chatham University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Chatham University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants and Chatham University about 62%, making Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,954 a year at Chatham University after aid, and about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. About 86% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, compared with 65% at Chatham University. Ten years after enrolling, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $63,435, against $52,410 for Chatham University.

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
University Park, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,232
42,284
Acceptance rate
62%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1295
1240–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
21–30
27–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,954
$32,875
Full cost / yr
$61,261
$39,694
In-state tuition
$44,626
$20,644
Out-of-state tuition
$44,626
$41,790
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,675
$19,845
$30k - $48k
$24,086
$20,049
$48k - $75k
$26,051
$25,667
$75k - $110k
$30,120
$31,834
Over $110k
$33,636
$37,831
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
86%
Freshman retention
78%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,709
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,410
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
14%
First-generation students
30%
29%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 61% of applicants, compared with 62% at Chatham University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Chatham University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,954 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chatham University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus costs about $39,694 a year and Chatham University about $61,261. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,845 there, against about $22,675 at Chatham University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 42,284 undergraduates against 1,232 at Chatham University.
Does Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 65% at Chatham University.
Do graduates of Chatham University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,410 for Chatham University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chatham University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Chatham University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chatham University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1295 at Chatham University and 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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