Academic Comparison between Widener University and Penn State Altoona

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

  • Widener University is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public 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 (1,170) 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Widener University Penn State Altoona
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Widener Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Chester, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie Classification
$53,6382024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
98%% Receiving Financial Aid71%
$27,379Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,140
84.02 %Acceptance Rates97.31 %
14.85 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.37 %
1,170SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score24
67 %Graduation Rate16 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate47 %
75 %Retention Rate77 %
5,416Student Population2,577
263Number of Faculties202
11 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 services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services