Alfred University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

Penn State Altoona is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (2,371 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Altoona than Alfred University ($21,618 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 5.9% lower than at Alfred University ($14,474 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 159.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $25,528 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.9% higher at Alfred University than at Penn State Altoona (about $14,542 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 179.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($31,022 vs. $11,088).

Alfred University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alfred University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Altoona and Alfred University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 20 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Alfred University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alfred University students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at Alfred University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and Penn State Altoona? 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).

• Penn State Altoona's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Penn State Altoona 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 Altoona graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Altoona 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 Altoona 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.