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Haverford College vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Haverford College is a private college in Haverford, PA, and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is a public university in Middletown, PA. Haverford College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,330 a year against $25,314 at Haverford College. About 90% of students graduate at Haverford College, compared with 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Ten years after enrolling, Haverford College alumni earn a median of about $79,966, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg.

Haverford College

Haverford, PA · Private

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Middletown, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Haverford, PA
Middletown, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,430
4,031
Acceptance rate
12%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1460–1550
1120–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
22–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,314
$23,330
Full cost / yr
$90,382
$32,521
In-state tuition
$70,688
$15,972
Out-of-state tuition
$70,688
$26,958
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,531
$16,219
$30k - $48k
$9,388
$16,221
$48k - $75k
$12,007
$21,176
$75k - $110k
$18,171
$25,103
Over $110k
$45,991
$29,834
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
28%
Freshman retention
94%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,353
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,966
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$13,621
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
26%
First-generation students
16%
29%
International students
11%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
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 Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg harder to get into?
Haverford College is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,330 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,314 at Haverford College. 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 Haverford College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg costs about $32,521 a year and Haverford College about $90,382. 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, Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?
Haverford College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,531 there, against about $16,219 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is the larger of the two, with about 4,031 undergraduates against 1,430 at Haverford College.
Does Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg have a better graduation rate?
Haverford College has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg.
Do graduates of Haverford College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg earn more?
Haverford College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,966 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Haverford College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg require SAT or ACT scores?
Haverford College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Haverford College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1460–1550 at Haverford College and 1120–1310 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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