Niagara University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

Niagara University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (4,033 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Niagara University is located in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Niagara University 10:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Niagara University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Niagara 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 Niagara University than Penn State Altoona ($16,613 vs. $21,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Niagara University are 7.4% lower than at Penn State Altoona ($13,400 vs. $14,474).
• Niagara University is 146.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $23,373 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.9% higher at Niagara University than at Penn State Altoona (about $12,387 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Niagara University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 202.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($33,575 vs. $11,088).

Niagara University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Altoona (1180) is 30 points higher than at Niagara University (1150).
• Incoming Niagara University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Penn State Altoona (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Niagara University 1060/1235; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Niagara University 22/28; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Niagara University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Niagara University (87.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at Niagara University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Niagara University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Niagara 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).

• The graduation rate at Niagara University is the same as at Penn State Altoona (65% vs. 65%).
• Graduates from Penn State Altoona earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Niagara University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Niagara University graduates have a $1,818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Niagara University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($258 vs. $277).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.