William Penn University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than William Penn University based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Penn University is located in Oskaloosa, IA (Remote Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• William Penn University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Penn University 15:1; Nelson University 15:1.

William Penn University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Penn University or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University than William Penn University ($22,359 vs. $22,740).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Penn University are 14.3% lower than at Nelson University ($8,222 vs. $9,598).
• William Penn University is 18.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $4,686 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at William Penn University than at Nelson University (about $4,686 more per year; $29,750.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Penn University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by William Penn University students is 67.2% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($20,194 vs. $12,075).

William Penn University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Penn University or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University and William Penn University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at William Penn University (1000) is 10 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 880/1110; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Penn University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Penn University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Nelson University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at William Penn University (3.0).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than William Penn University (51.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.9% at William Penn University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

William Penn University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Penn University and Nelson University? 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than William Penn University's (30%).
• Graduates from William Penn University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Penn University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, William Penn University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($248 vs. $271).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Penn University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 49%)

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.