Syracuse vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Syracuse University is larger than Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (22,589 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Syracuse University 15:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Syracuse vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Syracuse or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College than Syracuse ($34,739 vs. $48,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 24.2% lower than at Syracuse University ($14,548 vs. $19,188).
• Syracuse University is 4.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Muhlenberg College (about $2,723 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Syracuse than at Muhlenberg College (about $2,723 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $62,805.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Syracuse University (99% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 16.8% larger than aid received by Syracuse University students ($42,545 vs. $36,417).

Syracuse vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Syracuse or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College and Syracuse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Syracuse University (1360) is 30 points higher than at Muhlenberg College (1330).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Syracuse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Syracuse University 1270/1440; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Syracuse University 29/32; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Syracuse - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Syracuse Jan 1, 2027; Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Syracuse students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Muhlenberg College has a higher acceptance rate (72%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at Syracuse vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Syracuse vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Syracuse and Muhlenberg College? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Syracuse University's (80%).
• Graduates from Syracuse University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,900 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than Syracuse graduates ($26,490 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Muhlenberg College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Syracuse graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Syracuse students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

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.