Academic Comparison between Wilkes and Penn State Altoona

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

  • Wilkes is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Altoona is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Wilkes has more expensive tuition & fees ($43,496) than Penn State Altoona ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to Wilkes than Penn State Altoona.
  • Penn State Altoona has a higher submitted SAT score (1,120) than Wilkes (1,120).
  • Wilkes has higher submitted ACT score (27) than Penn State Altoona (26).
  • Wilkes has more students with 5,381 students while Penn State Altoona has 2,371 students.
  • Penn State Altoona has more full-time faculties with 177 faculties while Wilkes has 162 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Wilkes Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Wilkes-Barre, PennsylvaniaLocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie Classification
$43,4962025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
88%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$27,309Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,865
90.64 %Acceptance Rates98.06 %
9.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.26 %
1,120SAT Score1,180
27ACT Score26
63 %Graduation Rate17 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate80 %
5,381Student Population2,371
162Number of Faculties177
13 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