Academic Comparison between Penn State Harrisburg and WCU

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg and West Chester University of Pennsylvania 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 Harrisburg has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,668) than WCU ($22,511).
  • It is harder to admit to WCU than Penn State Harrisburg.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a higher submitted SAT score (1,210) than WCU (1,180).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has higher submitted ACT score (28) than WCU (26).
  • WCU has more students with 17,275 students while Penn State Harrisburg has 4,572 students.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while WCU's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • WCU has more full-time faculties with 675 faculties while Penn State Harrisburg has 240 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburgvs.West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Middletown, PennsylvaniaLocationWest Chester, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,686
Out-Of-State$22,511
70%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$10,114Average Amount of Financial Aid$5,802
96.39 %Acceptance Rates79.20 %
12.19 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.67 %
1,210SAT Score1,180
28ACT Score26
24 %Graduation Rate71 %
45 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
80 %Retention Rate82 %
4,572Student Population17,275
240Number of Faculties675
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 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