Alfred University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

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

Penn State Harrisburg is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (4,478 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alfred University is located in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alfred University 9:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alfred University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg than Alfred University ($23,788 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 235.6% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($31,022 vs. $9,245).

Alfred University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Harrisburg (1220) is 20 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Incoming Alfred University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Penn State Harrisburg (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 1095/1310; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alfred University 24/29; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alfred University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) 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 Harrisburg.

Alfred University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alfred University and Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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.