HPU vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

High Point University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (6,331 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

HPU vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 HPU ($21,618 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 23.5% lower than at High Point University ($14,474 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 183.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $29,340 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.1% higher at HPU than at Penn State Altoona (about $18,354 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at Penn State Altoona (95% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 104.4% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($22,664 vs. $11,088).

HPU vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at High Point University (1220) is 40 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming HPU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman HPU students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than HPU (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

HPU vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from Penn State Altoona earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $4,397 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($22,421 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($231 vs. $277).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.