Academic Comparison between Gwynedd Mercy University and Penn State

Gwynedd Mercy University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Gwynedd Mercy University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Gwynedd Valley, PA and Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Gwynedd Mercy University is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,188) than Gwynedd Mercy University ($38,995).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Gwynedd Mercy University.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,110) than Gwynedd Mercy University (1,110).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while Gwynedd Mercy University has 2,091 students.
  • Gwynedd Mercy University has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while Gwynedd Mercy University has 91 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Gwynedd Mercy Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Gwynedd Valley, PennsylvaniaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$38,9952024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
84%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$19,398Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
93.97 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
18.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,110SAT Score1,310
-ACT Score29
56 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
76 %Retention Rate91 %
2,091Student Population50,028
91Number of Faculties2,994
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services