PAFA vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Comparable Facts

Compare Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, PA with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is larger than PAFA based on total student enrollment (3,650 students vs. 41 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in Harrisburg, PA (Small City setting).
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 2:1; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 18:1.

PAFA vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PAFA or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology than PAFA ($15,984 vs. $33,323).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are 40.8% lower than at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts ($11,040 vs. $18,662).
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is 82.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $20,200 more per year; $44,600.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.8% higher at PAFA than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (about $20,200 more per year; $44,600.00 vs. $24,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts than at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts students is 25.8% larger than aid received by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students ($24,785 vs. $19,706).

PAFA vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PAFA or Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and PAFA.

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PAFA - Test-free; Harrisburg University of Science and Technology - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: PAFA Feb 1, 2027.

PAFA vs. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PAFA and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology? 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).

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's (9%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and PAFA graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and PAFA graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($274 vs. $274).
• More PAFA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 43%)

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.