Academic Comparison between Penn State and Gwynedd Mercy University

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

  • Penn State is a public and Gwynedd Mercy University is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,310) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Gwynedd Mercy University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationGwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,995
56%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,398
54.00 %Acceptance Rates93.97 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.01 %
1,310SAT Score1,110
29ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate56 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate76 %
50,028Student Population2,091
2,994Number of Faculties91
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services