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Villanova University vs Pennsylvania Western University

Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA, and Pennsylvania Western University is a public university in California, PA. Villanova University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 94% at Pennsylvania Western University. Pennsylvania Western University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,256 a year against $43,756 at Villanova University. About 92% of students graduate at Villanova University, compared with 51% at Pennsylvania Western University. Ten years after enrolling, Villanova University alumni earn a median of about $100,423, against $47,295 for Pennsylvania Western University.

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private

Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Villanova, PA
California, PA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,938
7,451
Acceptance rate
27%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
1395–1510
940–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$43,756
$18,256
Full cost / yr
$84,793
$26,916
In-state tuition
$67,776
$11,436
Out-of-state tuition
$67,776
$16,054
Application fee
$80
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,823
$13,944
$30k - $48k
$16,496
$14,171
$48k - $75k
$20,923
$16,517
$75k - $110k
$33,389
$20,633
Over $110k
$58,741
$23,272
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
51%
Freshman retention
95%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$84,905
$38,474
Median earnings (10 yr)
$100,423
$47,295
Median debt at graduation
$25,874
$23,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
38%
First-generation students
13%
37%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University harder to get into?
Villanova University is harder to get into. It admits about 27% of applicants, compared with 94% at Pennsylvania Western University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University?
Pennsylvania Western University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,256 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova University. 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 Villanova University and Pennsylvania Western University?
Before aid, Pennsylvania Western University costs about $26,916 a year and Villanova University about $84,793. 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, Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University?
Pennsylvania Western University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,944 there, against about $17,823 at Villanova University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University?
Pennsylvania Western University is the larger of the two, with about 7,451 undergraduates against 6,938 at Villanova University.
Does Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University have a better graduation rate?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 51% at Pennsylvania Western University.
Do graduates of Villanova University or Pennsylvania Western University earn more?
Villanova University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,423 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,295 for Pennsylvania Western University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Villanova University and Pennsylvania Western University require SAT or ACT scores?
Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania Western University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Villanova University and Pennsylvania Western University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1395–1510 at Villanova University and 940–1140 at Pennsylvania Western University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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