Simmons University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than Penn State Lehigh Valley based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 867 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Simmons University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Penn State Lehigh Valley is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Lehigh Valley is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Simmons University 9:1; Penn State Lehigh Valley 14:1.

Simmons University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simmons University or Penn State Lehigh Valley? 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 Lehigh Valley than Simmons University ($19,066 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Lehigh Valley are 13.3% lower than at Simmons University ($15,274 vs. $17,618).
• Simmons University is 208.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Lehigh Valley (about $31,666 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $15,208.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.6% higher at Simmons University than at Penn State Lehigh Valley (about $21,482 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $25,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Penn State Lehigh Valley (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 287.5% larger than aid received by Penn State Lehigh Valley students ($35,123 vs. $9,065).

Simmons University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 80 points higher than at Penn State Lehigh Valley (1230).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 1220/1390; Penn State Lehigh Valley 1130/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simmons University - Test optional; Penn State Lehigh Valley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Penn State Lehigh Valley (3.42).
• Penn State Lehigh Valley has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at Simmons University vs. 14% at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Simmons University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simmons University and Penn State Lehigh Valley? 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 Lehigh Valley's (47%).
• Graduates from Penn State Lehigh Valley 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 Lehigh Valley 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 Lehigh Valley graduates ($268 vs. $277).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Lehigh Valley 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.