University of Dayton vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dayton in Dayton, OH with Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dayton is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dayton is located in Dayton, OH (Midsize City setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• University of Dayton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dayton 14:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton or Penn State Altoona? 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 Altoona than University of Dayton ($21,618 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 13.8% lower than at University of Dayton ($14,474 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 207.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $33,168 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.3% higher at University of Dayton than at Penn State Altoona (about $22,182 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dayton than at Penn State Altoona (95% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 201.4% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($33,418 vs. $11,088).

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 110 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

University of Dayton vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton and Penn State Altoona? 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).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Penn State Altoona's (65%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($268 vs. $277).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.