Academic Comparison between PAFA and Penn State Greater Allegheny

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. PAFA is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Philadelphia, PA and Penn State Greater Allegheny is a four-year, public school located in McKeesport, 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.

  • PAFA is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Greater Allegheny is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PAFA has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,600) than Penn State Greater Allegheny ($23,872).
  • It is harder to admit to PAFA than Penn State Greater Allegheny.
  • Penn State Greater Allegheny has more students with 363 students while PAFA has 172 students.
  • PAFA has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while Penn State Greater Allegheny's ratio is 8 to 1.
  • Penn State Greater Allegheny has more full-time faculties with 36 faculties while PAFA has 19 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Artsvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Greater Allegheny
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationMcKeesport, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
School of art, music, and designCarnegie Classification
$44,6002024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,380
Out-Of-State$23,872
98%% Receiving Financial Aid82%
$25,119Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,376
88.02 %Acceptance Rates95.01 %
11.24 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.01 %
-SAT Score1,125
-ACT Score-
50 %Graduation Rate21 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate34 %
80 %Retention Rate66 %
172Student Population363
19Number of Faculties36
5 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes)Special Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services