Academic Comparison between Mercyhurst and Penn State Altoona

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

  • Mercyhurst is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mercyhurst has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,770) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Mercyhurst than Penn State Altoona.
  • Mercyhurst has more students with 2,632 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,371 students.
  • Penn State Altoona has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Mercyhurst's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 177 faculties while Mercyhurst has 131 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Mercyhurst Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Erie, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie Classification
$45,7702025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
93%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$30,789Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
81.02 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
20.35 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
-SAT Score1,180
-ACT Score26
60 %Graduation Rate17 %
11 %Transfer-out Rate-
80 %Retention Rate80 %
2,632Student Population2,371
131Number of Faculties177
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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