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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton is a public university in Dunmore, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public university in Altoona, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona admits about 98% of applicants and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton about 99%, making Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,910 a year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton after aid, and about $22,213 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. About 35% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton, compared with 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Alumni of both earn a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton

Dunmore, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Dunmore, PA
Altoona, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
793
2,367
Acceptance rate
99%
98%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1270
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,910
$22,213
Full cost / yr
$27,862
$32,559
In-state tuition
$15,208
$15,972
Out-of-state tuition
$25,392
$26,958
Application fee
$65
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,322
$16,017
$30k - $48k
$12,857
$16,546
$48k - $75k
$14,839
$19,464
$75k - $110k
$22,064
$23,562
Over $110k
$23,599
$28,263
Outcomes
Graduation rate
35%
17%
Freshman retention
79%
80%
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
42%
29%
First-generation students
29%
29%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is harder to get into. It admits about 98% of applicants, compared with 99% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton. 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 Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,910 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 Scranton and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton costs about $27,862 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 Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,322 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 Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the larger of the two, with about 2,367 undergraduates against 793 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 Scranton and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1270 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Scranton and 1070–1290 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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