Excelsior University vs. PAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare Excelsior University in Albany, NY with Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Excelsior University is larger than PAFA based on total student enrollment (12,941 students vs. 41 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Excelsior University is located in Albany, NY (Small City setting); Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Excelsior University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Excelsior University 21:1; Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 2:1.

Excelsior University vs. PAFA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Excelsior University or PAFA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Excelsior University ($44,600.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between PAFA and Excelsior University ($44,600.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts than at Excelsior University (100% vs. 0%).

Excelsior University vs. PAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Excelsior University or PAFA? 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 PAFA and Excelsior University.

• Excelsior University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Excelsior University - Open admission; PAFA - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: PAFA Feb 1, 2027.

Excelsior University vs. PAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Excelsior University and PAFA? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have a $15,630 lower median loan debt than PAFA graduates ($10,870 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Excelsior University graduates have an estimated $162 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PAFA graduates ($112 vs. $274).
• More PAFA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Excelsior University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 55%)

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.