Drew University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare Drew University in Madison, 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 Drew University based on total student enrollment (4,478 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drew University is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drew University 11:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Drew University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drew 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 Penn State Harrisburg than Drew University ($23,788 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (97% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 298.1% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($36,807 vs. $9,245).

Drew University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drew University (1220) is the same as at Penn State Harrisburg (1220).
• Incoming Drew University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Penn State Harrisburg).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 1103/1338; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 24/30; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drew University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Drew University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

Drew University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drew 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).

• Drew University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Penn State Harrisburg's (63%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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.