Simmons University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare Simmons University in Boston, MA with Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Simmons University is larger than Penn State Harrisburg based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 4,478 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simmons University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simmons University 9:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Simmons University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg than Simmons University ($23,788 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Harrisburg are 17.8% lower than at Simmons University ($14,474 vs. $17,618).
• Simmons University is 193.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Harrisburg (about $30,902 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.9% higher at Simmons University than at Penn State Harrisburg (about $19,916 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Penn State Harrisburg (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 279.9% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($35,123 vs. $9,245).

Simmons University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Simmons University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg and Simmons University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 90 points higher than at Penn State Harrisburg (1220).
• Incoming Simmons University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Penn State Harrisburg).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Penn State Harrisburg (3.48).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

Simmons University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons University and Penn State Harrisburg? 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).

• Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Penn State Harrisburg's (63%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Simmons University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($268 vs. $277).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Harrisburg students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.