Academic Comparison between Gwynedd Mercy University and Penn State Altoona

Gwynedd Mercy University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 Altoona is a four-year, public school located in Altoona, 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 Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Gwynedd Mercy University has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,995) than Penn State Altoona ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Gwynedd Mercy University than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Altoona has a higher submitted SAT score (1,110) than Gwynedd Mercy University (1,110).
  • Penn State Altoona has more students with 2,577 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 Altoona's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 202 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-Penn State Altoona
Gwynedd Valley, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie Classification
$38,9952024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
84%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$19,398Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
93.97 %Acceptance Rates97.00 %
18.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.99 %
1,110SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score24
56 %Graduation Rate16 %
-Transfer-out Rate47 %
76 %Retention Rate77 %
2,091Student Population2,577
91Number of Faculties202
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services