Pace University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

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

Pace University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pace University is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Pace University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pace University 14:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Pace University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pace 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 Pace University ($21,618 vs. $34,791).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 35.8% lower than at Pace University ($14,474 vs. $22,553).
• Pace University is 233.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $37,318 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.7% higher at Pace University than at Penn State Altoona (about $26,332 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pace University than at Penn State Altoona (99% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pace University students is 216.9% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($35,136 vs. $11,088).

Pace University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pace University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Pace University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pace University 1180/1340; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pace University 24/29; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pace University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Pace University students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Pace University (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Pace University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Pace University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pace 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 Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Pace University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,100 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University graduates have a $1,818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Pace University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($258 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Altoona graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 65%)

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.