Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Valley Forge
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. University of Valley Forge is a private university in Phoenixville, PA. Both admit about 61% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $32,265 a year at University of Valley Forge 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 52% at University of Valley Forge. Ten years after enrolling, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $63,435, against $39,016 for University of Valley Forge.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
University Park, PA
Phoenixville, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
42,284
471
Acceptance rate
61%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1420
920–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
17–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,875
$32,265
Full cost / yr
$39,694
$45,422
In-state tuition
$20,644
$25,240
Out-of-state tuition
$41,790
$25,240
Application fee
$65
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,845
$30,614
$30k - $48k
$20,049
$31,228
$48k - $75k
$25,667
$32,077
$75k - $110k
$31,834
$33,146
Over $110k
$37,831
$32,981
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
52%
Freshman retention
93%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,620
$35,671
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,435
$39,016
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
47%
First-generation students
29%
33%
International students
9%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1
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.
- Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 61% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge?
- University of Valley Forge is cheaper on average. Students pay about $32,265 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 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Valley Forge?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus costs about $39,694 a year and University of Valley Forge about $45,422. 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, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,845 there, against about $30,614 at University of Valley Forge. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 42,284 undergraduates against 471 at University of Valley Forge.
- Does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge have a better graduation rate?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 52% at University of Valley Forge.
- Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Valley Forge earn more?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,016 for University of Valley Forge. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Valley Forge require SAT or ACT scores?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Valley Forge is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Valley Forge look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and 920–1090 at University of Valley Forge. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Temple UniversityUniversity of Valley Forge vs Curtis Institute of MusicUniversity of Valley Forge vs Central Penn CollegeUniversity of Valley Forge vs Moore College of Art and Design
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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