University of Akron vs. Penn State Shenango

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH with Penn State Shenango in Sharon, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Penn State Shenango based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 265 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); Penn State Shenango is in Sharon, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Shenango is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; Penn State Shenango 7:1.

University of Akron vs. Penn State Shenango Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron or Penn State Shenango? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than Penn State Shenango ($14,693 vs. $18,383).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 22.1% lower than at Penn State Shenango ($11,904 vs. $15,274).
• Penn State Shenango is 6.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $889 more per year; $14,024.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Penn State Shenango than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $2,745 more per year; $23,560.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Penn State Shenango than at University of Akron Main Campus (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Penn State Shenango students ($11,551 vs. $8,962).

University of Akron vs. Penn State Shenango Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron or Penn State Shenango? 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 Shenango and University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Shenango (1140) is 90 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Penn State Shenango 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Penn State Shenango - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Penn State Shenango has a higher acceptance rate (92.2%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 28% at Penn State Shenango.

University of Akron vs. Penn State Shenango Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron and Penn State Shenango? 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).

• Penn State Shenango's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Penn State Shenango earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $1,318 lower median loan debt than Penn State Shenango graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Shenango graduates ($263 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Shenango graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 45%)

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.