Caldwell University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ 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 Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (4,478 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell 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 Caldwell University than Penn State Harrisburg ($21,875 vs. $23,788).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 2% lower than at Penn State Harrisburg ($14,188 vs. $14,474).
• Caldwell University is 155.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 249.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($32,340 vs. $9,245).

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 30 points higher than at Penn State Harrisburg (1220).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPenn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Caldwell University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

Caldwell University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell 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 Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg graduates ($266 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Harrisburg 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.