Academic Comparison between UPenn and Penn State Altoona

University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UPenn 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.

  • UPenn is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • UPenn has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,686) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to UPenn than Penn State Altoona.
  • UPenn has a higher submitted SAT score (1,550) than Penn State Altoona (1,180).
  • UPenn has higher submitted ACT score (35) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • UPenn has more students with 29,109 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,371 students.
  • UPenn has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Penn State Altoona's ratio is 13 to 1.
  • UPenn has more full-time faculties with 2,268 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 177 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Pennsylvaniavs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
$68,6862025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
52%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$53,735Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
5.40 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
67.98 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,550SAT Score1,180
35ACT Score26
97 %Graduation Rate17 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
99 %Retention Rate80 %
29,109Student Population2,371
2,268Number of Faculties177
8 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services