Academic Comparison between Penn State Altoona and Widener University

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Widener 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 Widener University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chester, 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 Widener University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Widener University has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,638) than Penn State Altoona ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Widener University than Penn State Altoona.
  • Widener University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than Penn State Altoona (1,160).
  • Widener University has more students with 5,416 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,577 students.
  • Widener University has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Penn State Altoona's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • Widener University has more full-time faculties with 263 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 202 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoonavs.Widener University
Altoona, PennsylvaniaLocationChester, 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$53,638
71%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$10,140Average Amount of Financial Aid$27,379
97.00 %Acceptance Rates84.00 %
11.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.00 %
1,160SAT Score1,170
24ACT Score-
16 %Graduation Rate67 %
47 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
77 %Retention Rate75 %
2,577Student Population5,416
202Number of Faculties263
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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, Placement services