Academic Comparison between Penn State and Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Penn State Altoona (1,180).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 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 Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 177 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
50%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
60.56 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,330SAT Score1,180
30ACT Score26
86 %Graduation Rate17 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate80 %
50,737Student Population2,371
4,174Number of Faculties177
16 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, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services