Muhlenberg College vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

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

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Muhlenberg College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Muhlenberg College 9:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Muhlenberg College vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg College or WCU? 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than Muhlenberg College ($22,546 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 1.9% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($14,548 vs. $14,828).
• Muhlenberg College is 482.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $52,030 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 177.9% higher at Muhlenberg College than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $40,206 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (99% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 645.2% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($42,545 vs. $5,709).

Muhlenberg College vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 140 points higher than at WCU (1190).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 26 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Muhlenberg College 29/33; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Muhlenberg College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Muhlenberg College vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than West Chester University of Pennsylvania's (68%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $2,990 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($242 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

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.