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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public college in Erie, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley is a public university in Center Valley, PA. Both admit about 97% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $18,220 a year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley after aid, and about $24,558 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. About 45% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College, compared with 18% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley. Alumni of both earn a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Erie, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Center Valley, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Erie, PA
Center Valley, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,240
859
Acceptance rate
97%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1310
1130–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,558
$18,220
Full cost / yr
$34,081
$28,109
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
$16,092
$12,422
$30k - $48k
$17,884
$13,319
$48k - $75k
$20,539
$16,438
$75k - $110k
$26,914
$23,611
Over $110k
$29,692
$24,539
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
18%
Freshman retention
83%
83%
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%
35%
First-generation students
29%
29%
International students
5%
1%
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 Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 97% 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 Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,220 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,558 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley costs about $28,109 a year and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College about $34,081. 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 Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,422 there, against about $16,092 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. 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 Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is the larger of the two, with about 3,240 undergraduates against 859 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 18% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley 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 Erie-Behrend College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1310 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College and 1130–1320 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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