Drew University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Drew University in Madison, 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 Drew University based on total student enrollment (2,371 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drew University is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drew University 11:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Drew University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drew 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 Drew University ($21,618 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 17.9% lower than at Drew University ($14,474 vs. $17,640).
• Drew University is 194.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $31,128 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 74.7% higher at Drew University than at Penn State Altoona (about $20,142 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at Penn State Altoona (97% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 232% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($36,807 vs. $11,088).

Drew University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drew University (1220) is 40 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Drew University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 1103/1338; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 24/30; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drew University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Altoona students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Drew University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Drew University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drew 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).

• Drew University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Penn State Altoona's (65%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Drew University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

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.