Alfred University vs. Penn State Abington

Comparable Facts

Compare Alfred University in Alfred, NY with Penn State Abington in Abington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Penn State Abington is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (2,885 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); Penn State Abington is in Abington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Abington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; Penn State Abington 14:1.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Abington Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or Penn State Abington? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Penn State Abington than Alfred University ($19,232 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Abington are 5.9% lower than at Alfred University ($14,474 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 171.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Abington (about $26,232 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $15,268.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.7% higher at Alfred University than at Penn State Abington (about $15,836 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $25,664.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Penn State Abington (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 213.9% larger than aid received by Penn State Abington students ($31,022 vs. $9,883).

Alfred University vs. Penn State Abington Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University or Penn State Abington? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn State Abington and Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 30 points higher than at Penn State Abington (1170).
• Incoming Alfred University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Penn State Abington).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Penn State Abington 1070/1265.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; Penn State Abington 23/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; Penn State Abington - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Abington students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Penn State Abington has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Abington.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Abington Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and Penn State Abington? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alfred University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Penn State Abington's (44%).
• Graduates from Penn State Abington earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Abington graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Abington graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Abington students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.