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.
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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
84.00 %Acceptance Rates97.00 %
15.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.99 %
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