Academic Comparison between Penn State Altoona and Gwynedd Mercy University

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Gwynedd Mercy University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State Altoona is a four-year, public school located in Altoona, 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 Altoona is a public and Gwynedd Mercy University is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,160) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonavs.Gwynedd Mercy University
Altoona, PennsylvaniaLocationGwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,995
71%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,398
97.31 %Acceptance Rates93.61 %
12.37 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.69 %
1,160SAT Score1,110
24ACT Score-
16 %Graduation Rate56 %
47 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate76 %
2,577Student Population2,091
202Number of Faculties91
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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