Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public university in Altoona, PA, and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine is a public university in Media, PA. Both admit about 98% of applicants. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,213 a year against $22,585 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine. About 24% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine, compared with 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Alumni of both earn a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Altoona, PA
Media, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,367
1,223
Acceptance rate
98%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1080–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
18–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,213
$22,585
Full cost / yr
$32,559
$31,088
In-state tuition
$15,972
$15,208
Out-of-state tuition
$26,958
$25,392
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,017
$15,904
$30k - $48k
$16,546
$16,580
$48k - $75k
$19,464
$21,157
$75k - $110k
$23,562
$25,067
Over $110k
$28,263
$29,031
Outcomes
Graduation rate
17%
24%
Freshman retention
80%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,620
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,435
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
34%
First-generation students
29%
29%
International students
5%
3%
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.
- Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 98% 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-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,213 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,585 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine. 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-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine costs about $31,088 a year and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona about $32,559. 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-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,904 there, against about $16,017 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the larger of the two, with about 2,367 undergraduates against 1,223 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine.
- Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine have a better graduation rate?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine has the higher graduation rate, at about 24% against 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
- Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine earn more?
- Earnings are similar. Alumni of both earn a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine require SAT or ACT scores?
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and 1080–1310 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Swarthmore CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Haverford CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Franklin and Marshall CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine vs Swarthmore CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine vs Haverford CollegePennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine vs Franklin and Marshall College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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