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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public university in Altoona, PA, and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is a public university in York, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 97% of applicants against 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,047 a year against $22,213 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. About 17% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, compared with 14% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York. Alumni of both earn a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

York, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Altoona, PA
York, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,367
668
Acceptance rate
98%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1050–1245
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,213
$19,047
Full cost / yr
$32,559
$27,826
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
$11,582
$30k - $48k
$16,546
$11,156
$48k - $75k
$19,464
$16,261
$75k - $110k
$23,562
$20,054
Over $110k
$28,263
$24,411
Outcomes
Graduation rate
17%
14%
Freshman retention
80%
77%
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%
30%
First-generation students
29%
29%
International students
5%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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 York?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,047 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,213 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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 York?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York costs about $27,826 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 York?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,582 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 York?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the larger of the two, with about 2,367 undergraduates against 668 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona has the higher graduation rate, at about 17% against 14% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York 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 York 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 York 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 York look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and 1050–1245 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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