Academic Comparison between Gwynedd Mercy and Penn State Altoona

Gwynedd Mercy University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona 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 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.

  • Gwynedd Mercy is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Gwynedd Mercy has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,838) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Gwynedd Mercy than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Altoona has a higher submitted SAT score (1,090) than Gwynedd Mercy (1,090).
  • Penn State Altoona has more students with 2,371 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 Altoona's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 177 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-Penn State Altoona
Gwynedd Valley, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie Classification
$40,8382025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
68%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$24,303Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
89.63 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
17.04 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,090SAT Score1,180
-ACT Score26
57 %Graduation Rate17 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate80 %
2,017Student Population2,371
82Number of Faculties177
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), 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