Carlow University vs. Keystone College

Comparable Facts

Compare Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA with Keystone College in La Plume, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carlow University is larger than Keystone College based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carlow University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Keystone College is in La Plume, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Keystone College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carlow University 12:1; Keystone College 12:1.

Carlow University vs. Keystone College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carlow University or Keystone College? 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 Carlow University than Keystone College ($21,002 vs. $21,952).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Keystone College are 8.7% lower than at Carlow University ($12,600 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 96% more expensive for in-state tuition than Keystone College (about $17,574 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $18,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96% higher at Carlow University than at Keystone College (about $17,574 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $18,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Keystone College (99% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 179% larger than aid received by Keystone College students ($28,233 vs. $10,119).

Carlow University vs. Keystone College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carlow University or Keystone College? 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 Keystone College and Carlow University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carlow University (1060) is 40 points higher than at Keystone College (1020).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carlow University 960/1168; Keystone College 910/1130.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carlow University - Test optional; Keystone College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Keystone College (3.0).
• Carlow University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Keystone College (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Carlow University vs. 10.8% at Keystone College.

Carlow University vs. Keystone College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carlow University and Keystone College? 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Keystone College's (39%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Keystone College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Keystone College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Keystone College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Keystone College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 57%)

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.