Westminster College vs Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Westminster College is a private college in New Wilmington, PA. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Bloomsburg, PA. Both admit about 93% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $15,699 a year at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania after aid, and about $19,859 at Westminster College. About 65% of students graduate at Westminster College, compared with 54% at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Ten years after enrolling, Westminster College alumni earn a median of about $53,861, against $52,416 for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New Wilmington, PA
Bloomsburg, PA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,041
9,210
Acceptance rate
93%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.16–3.66
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1258
990–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
18–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,859
$15,699
Full cost / yr
$53,003
$25,161
In-state tuition
$40,290
$11,046
Out-of-state tuition
$40,290
$22,870
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,226
$11,374
$30k - $48k
$15,101
$11,370
$48k - $75k
$17,687
$13,877
$75k - $110k
$19,595
$17,989
Over $110k
$23,964
$20,099
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
54%
Freshman retention
81%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,938
$44,053
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,861
$52,416
Median debt at graduation
$26,060
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
32%
First-generation students
26%
34%
International students
0%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Dec 15
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.
- Is Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 93% 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, Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,699 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,859 at Westminster 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 Westminster College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
- Before aid, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania costs about $25,161 a year and Westminster College about $53,003. 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, Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,374 there, against about $15,226 at Westminster College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 9,210 undergraduates against 1,041 at Westminster College.
- Does Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
- Westminster College has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 54% at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
- Do graduates of Westminster College or Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania earn more?
- Westminster College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,861 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,416 for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Westminster College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
- Westminster College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Westminster College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1258 at Westminster College and 990–1190 at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Westminster College vs Swarthmore CollegeWestminster College vs Haverford CollegeWestminster College vs Franklin and Marshall CollegeCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania vs University of PennsylvaniaCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania vs Carnegie Mellon UniversityCommonwealth University of Pennsylvania vs Lehigh University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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