Kettering University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

Penn State Altoona is larger than Kettering University based on total student enrollment (2,371 students vs. 1,466 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Kettering University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kettering 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 Kettering University ($21,618 vs. $35,609).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kettering University are 28.1% lower than at Penn State Altoona ($10,400 vs. $14,474).
• Kettering University is 203.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $32,498 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.8% higher at Kettering University than at Penn State Altoona (about $21,512 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kettering University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kettering University students is 131.2% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($25,641 vs. $11,088).

Kettering University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kettering University (1250) is 70 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Kettering University 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: Kettering University 1160/1330; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 26/30; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kettering University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Kettering University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Kettering University (78.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Kettering University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Kettering University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kettering 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).

• Penn State Altoona's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Kettering University's (59%).
• Graduates from Kettering University earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,000 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kettering University graduates have a $419 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($26,399 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Kettering University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($272 vs. $277).
• More Kettering University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.