The Catholic University of America vs. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Comparable Facts

Compare The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in Cheyney, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The Catholic University of America is larger than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania based on total student enrollment (5,243 students vs. 617 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The Catholic University of America is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is in Cheyney, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• The Catholic University of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The Catholic University of America 11:1; Cheyney University of Pennsylvania 15:1.

The Catholic University of America vs. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, The Catholic University of America or Cheyney University of Pennsylvania? 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 Cheyney University of Pennsylvania than The Catholic University of America ($14,207 vs. $32,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania are 39.5% lower than at The Catholic University of America ($11,016 vs. $18,200).
• The Catholic University of America is 435.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (about $47,474 more per year; $58,378.00 vs. $10,904.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 209.4% higher at The Catholic University of America than at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (about $39,508 more per year; $58,378.00 vs. $18,870.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The Catholic University of America than at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The Catholic University of America students is 247.1% larger than aid received by Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students ($42,657 vs. $12,290).

The Catholic University of America vs. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, The Catholic University of America or Cheyney University of Pennsylvania? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and The Catholic University of America.

• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: The Catholic University of America - Test-free; Cheyney University of Pennsylvania - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: The Catholic University of America Jan 15, 2027; Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Mar 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman The Catholic University of America students have a 1.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (2.37).

The Catholic University of America vs. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for The Catholic University of America and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The Catholic University of America's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania's (24%).
• Graduates from The Catholic University of America earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,600 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The Catholic University of America graduates have a $7,394 lower median loan debt than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania graduates ($26,106 vs. $33,500).
• Among borrowers, The Catholic University of America graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cheyney University of Pennsylvania graduates ($269 vs. $346).
• More The Catholic University of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 19%)

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.