Gannon University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Gannon University in Erie, PA with Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gannon University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (4,189 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Gannon University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gannon 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 Gannon University ($21,618 vs. $23,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 9.3% lower than at Gannon University ($14,474 vs. $15,960).
• Gannon University is 154.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $24,684 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at Gannon University than at Penn State Altoona (about $13,698 more per year; $40,656.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gannon University than at Penn State Altoona (85% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gannon University students is 168.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($29,799 vs. $11,088).

Gannon University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Altoona (1180) is 60 points higher than at Gannon University (1120).
• Incoming Penn State Altoona students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Gannon University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gannon University 990/1250; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gannon University 20/28; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gannon University - Test-free; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Gannon University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Gannon University (74.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Gannon University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Gannon University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gannon 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).

• Gannon University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Penn State Altoona's (65%).
• Graduates from Penn State Altoona earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Gannon University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Gannon 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 Gannon University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Penn State Altoona graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gannon University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 67%)

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.