West Point vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Military Academy in West Point, New York with Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Penn State Harrisburg is larger than West Point based on total student enrollment (4,478 students vs. 4,473 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Military Academy is located in West Point, New York (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• United States Military Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Military Academy 6:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

West Point vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, West Point or Penn State Harrisburg? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Penn State Harrisburg and West Point ($15,972.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Penn State Harrisburg and United States Military Academy ($26,958.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Penn State Harrisburg than at United States Military Academy (63% vs. 0%).

West Point vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, West Point or Penn State Harrisburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn State Harrisburg and West Point.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at United States Military Academy (1320) is 100 points higher than at Penn State Harrisburg (1220).
• Incoming West Point students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Penn State Harrisburg).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Military Academy 1200/1430; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Military Academy 27/33; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: West Point - Required; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: West Point Jan 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman West Point students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Penn State Harrisburg (3.48).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than West Point (12.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 77.9% at West Point vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

West Point vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for West Point and Penn State Harrisburg? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• United States Military Academy's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Penn State Harrisburg's (63%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg have median earnings of about $55,300 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for West Point.

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.