Academic Comparison between Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State Altoona has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,668) than Penn State Harrisburg ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State Harrisburg than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a higher submitted SAT score (1,210) than Penn State Altoona (1,160).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Penn State Altoona (24).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more students with 4,572 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,577 students.
  • Penn State Altoona has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State Harrisburg's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more full-time faculties with 240 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 Harrisburgvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Middletown, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Carnegie Classification
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
70%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$10,114Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
96.39 %Acceptance Rates97.31 %
12.19 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.37 %
1,210SAT Score1,160
28ACT Score24
24 %Graduation Rate16 %
45 %Transfer-out Rate47 %
80 %Retention Rate77 %
4,572Student Population2,577
240Number of Faculties202
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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