Academic Comparison between Messiah and Penn State Altoona

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

  • Messiah is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Messiah has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,240) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Messiah than Penn State Altoona.
  • Messiah has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than Penn State Altoona (1,180).
  • Messiah has higher submitted ACT score (27) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • Messiah has more students with 3,373 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,371 students.
  • Messiah 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 Messiah has 175 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Messiah Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
$42,2402025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
90%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$24,893Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
78.97 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
29.06 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,230SAT Score1,180
27ACT Score26
75 %Graduation Rate17 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate80 %
3,373Student Population2,371
175Number of Faculties177
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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