Academic Comparison between PAFA and Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. PAFA is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Philadelphia, 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.

  • PAFA is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PAFA has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,600) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • Penn State Altoona has more students with 2,371 students while PAFA has 41 students.
  • PAFA has a lower number of students per faculty with 2 to 1 while Penn State Altoona's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 177 faculties while PAFA has 21 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Artsvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
School of art, music, and designCarnegie Classification
$44,6002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
100%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$24,541Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
-Acceptance Rates98.06 %
-Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
-SAT Score1,180
-ACT Score26
58 %Graduation Rate17 %
42 %Transfer-out Rate-
-Retention Rate80 %
41Student Population2,371
21Number of Faculties177
2 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes)Special Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services