Muhlenberg College vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with Villanova University in Villanova, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Villanova University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Villanova University is in Villanova, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Villanova University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; Villanova University 10:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg College or Villanova? 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 Muhlenberg College than Villanova ($34,739 vs. $37,201).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 17.8% lower than at Villanova University ($14,548 vs. $17,694).
• Villanova University is 7.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $4,971 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.9% higher at Villanova than at Muhlenberg College (about $4,971 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Villanova University (99% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 11.9% larger than aid received by Muhlenberg College students ($47,609 vs. $42,545).

Muhlenberg College vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College or Villanova? 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 Villanova and Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 120 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 31 at Muhlenberg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Muhlenberg College vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College and Villanova? 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).

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Muhlenberg College's (86%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $7 lower median loan debt than Villanova graduates ($26,490 vs. $26,497).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Villanova University and Muhlenberg College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($273 vs. $273).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 84%)

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.