Academic Comparison between WCU and Penn State Altoona

West Chester University of Pennsylvania 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 WCU ($22,599).
  • It is harder to admit to WCU than Penn State Altoona.
  • Both WCU and Penn State Altoona have the same submitted SAT scores (1,180).
  • WCU has higher submitted ACT score (27) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • WCU has more students with 17,171 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 WCU's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • WCU has more full-time faculties with 661 faculties while Penn State Altoona has 177 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

West Chester University of Pennsylvaniavs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
West Chester, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie Classification
In-State$10,775
Out-Of-State$22,599
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
61%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$6,081Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
78.40 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
22.42 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,180SAT Score1,180
27ACT Score26
71 %Graduation Rate17 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
83 %Retention Rate80 %
17,171Student Population2,371
661Number of Faculties177
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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