Alvernia University vs. Penn State Shenango

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Penn State Shenango in Sharon, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Penn State Shenango based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 265 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Penn State Shenango is in Sharon, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Shenango is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Penn State Shenango 7:1.

Alvernia University vs. Penn State Shenango Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Shenango than Alvernia University ($18,383 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Shenango are 1.2% lower than at Alvernia University ($15,274 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 220.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Shenango (about $30,976 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $14,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91% higher at Alvernia University than at Penn State Shenango (about $21,440 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $23,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Penn State Shenango (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 224% larger than aid received by Penn State Shenango students ($29,034 vs. $8,962).

Alvernia University vs. Penn State Shenango Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or Penn State Shenango? 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 Shenango and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Penn State Shenango (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Penn State Shenango 1040/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; Penn State Shenango - Test optional.
• Penn State Shenango has a higher acceptance rate (92.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 28% at Penn State Shenango.

Alvernia University vs. Penn State Shenango Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and Penn State Shenango? 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).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Penn State Shenango's (44%).
• Graduates from Penn State Shenango earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Shenango graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Shenango graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Penn State Shenango graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 61%)

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.