Marist University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

Marist University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marist University is located in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Marist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marist University 15:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Marist University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marist 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 Marist University ($21,618 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 21.6% lower than at Marist University ($14,474 vs. $18,460).
• Marist University is 199% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $31,778 more per year; $47,750.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.1% higher at Marist University than at Penn State Altoona (about $20,792 more per year; $47,750.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marist University than at Penn State Altoona (96% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marist University students is 126.1% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($25,067 vs. $11,088).

Marist University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marist University (1270) is 90 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Marist 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: Marist University 1190/1340; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Marist University 25/31; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marist University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marist University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Marist University (56.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Marist University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Marist University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marist 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).

• Marist University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Penn State Altoona's (65%).
• Graduates from Marist University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,000 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marist University graduates have a $818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Marist University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($268 vs. $277).
• More Marist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.