EC vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmira College in Elmira, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmira College is located in Elmira, NY (Small City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmira College 11:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

EC vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EC or Muhlenberg 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 Elmira College than Muhlenberg College ($23,682 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 0% lower than at Elmira College ($14,548 vs. $14,550).
• Muhlenberg College is 61.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $23,829 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.1% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Elmira College (about $23,829 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 47.8% larger than aid received by Elmira College students ($42,545 vs. $28,780).

EC vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EC or Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College and EC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 90 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 1090/1385; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 26/29; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EC - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Muhlenberg College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at EC vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

EC vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EC and Muhlenberg 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $17,700 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 72%)

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.