Caldwell University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ 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 Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (2,371 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell 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 Caldwell University ($21,618 vs. $21,875).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 2% lower than at Penn State Altoona ($14,188 vs. $14,474).
• Caldwell University is 155.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $24,876 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.5% higher at Caldwell University than at Penn State Altoona (about $13,890 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 191.7% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($32,340 vs. $11,088).

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell 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 Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 70 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPenn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Altoona students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Caldwell University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Penn State Altoona earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,068 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($266 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Altoona graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 50%)

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.