Academic Comparison between Gwynedd Mercy and Penn State

Gwynedd Mercy University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Gwynedd Mercy is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Gwynedd Valley, PA and Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, 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.

  • Gwynedd Mercy is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Gwynedd Mercy ($40,838).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Gwynedd Mercy.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,090) than Gwynedd Mercy (1,090).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Gwynedd Mercy has 2,017 students.
  • Gwynedd Mercy has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Gwynedd Mercy has 82 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Gwynedd Mercy Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Gwynedd Valley, PennsylvaniaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$40,8382025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
68%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$24,303Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
89.63 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
17.04 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,090SAT Score1,330
-ACT Score30
57 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
78 %Retention Rate93 %
2,017Student Population50,737
82Number of Faculties4,174
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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, On-campus daycare