Academic Comparison between PAFA and Penn State Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg is a four-year, public school located in Middletown, 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 Harrisburg is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • PAFA has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,600) than Penn State Harrisburg ($26,958).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more students with 4,478 students while PAFA has 41 students.
  • PAFA has a lower number of students per faculty with 2 to 1 while Penn State Harrisburg's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more full-time faculties with 246 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 Harrisburg
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationMiddletown, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor'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 Aid63%
$24,541Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,737
-Acceptance Rates97.60 %
-Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.24 %
-SAT Score1,220
-ACT Score27
58 %Graduation Rate26 %
42 %Transfer-out Rate-
-Retention Rate82 %
41Student Population4,478
21Number of Faculties246
2 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes)Special Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling serviceOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services