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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is a public university in Middletown, 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 Harrisburg. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,047 a year against $23,330 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. About 28% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg

Middletown, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York

York, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Middletown, PA
York, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,031
668
Acceptance rate
98%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1310
1050–1245
ACT (middle 50%)
22–31
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,330
$19,047
Full cost / yr
$32,521
$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
$16,219
$11,582
$30k - $48k
$16,221
$11,156
$48k - $75k
$21,176
$16,261
$75k - $110k
$25,103
$20,054
Over $110k
$29,834
$24,411
Outcomes
Graduation rate
28%
14%
Freshman retention
82%
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
26%
30%
First-generation students
29%
29%
International students
14%
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 Harrisburg 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 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, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 $23,330 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg about $32,521. 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 Harrisburg 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 $16,219 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, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg is the larger of the two, with about 4,031 undergraduates against 668 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg has the higher graduation rate, at about 28% against 14% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State York look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1310 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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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