Academic Comparison between Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Altoona

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg 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 Altoona has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,958) than Penn State Harrisburg ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State Harrisburg than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has a higher submitted SAT score (1,220) than Penn State Altoona (1,180).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has higher submitted ACT score (27) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more students with 4,478 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 Harrisburg's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State Harrisburg has more full-time faculties with 246 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 177 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburgvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Middletown, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Carnegie Classification
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
63%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$10,737Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
97.60 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
11.24 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,220SAT Score1,180
27ACT Score26
26 %Graduation Rate17 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
82 %Retention Rate80 %
4,478Student Population2,371
246Number of Faculties177
15 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services