Academic Comparison between Saint Francis and Penn State Altoona

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

  • Saint Francis is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State Altoona has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,958) than Saint Francis ($26,388).
  • It is harder to admit to Saint Francis than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Altoona has a higher submitted SAT score (1,140) than Saint Francis (1,140).
  • Penn State Altoona has higher submitted ACT score (25) than Saint Francis (25).
  • Saint Francis has more students with 2,963 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 Saint Francis's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 177 faculties while Saint Francis has 117 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Saint Francis Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Loretto, 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
$26,3882025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
62%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$32,212Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
76.82 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
19.55 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,140SAT Score1,180
25ACT Score26
74 %Graduation Rate17 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
83 %Retention Rate80 %
2,963Student Population2,371
117Number 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, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services