Worcester State University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester State University in Worcester, MA with Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester State University is larger than Penn State Harrisburg based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 4,478 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester State University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester State University 16:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Worcester State University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Worcester State University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Worcester State University than Penn State Harrisburg ($12,778 vs. $23,788).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 1.2% lower than at Penn State Harrisburg ($14,307 vs. $14,474).
• Penn State Harrisburg is 35.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $4,186 more per year; $15,972.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at Penn State Harrisburg than at Worcester State University (about $9,092 more per year; $26,958.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Penn State Harrisburg (80% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester State University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($9,464 vs. $9,245).

Worcester State University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Worcester State University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg and Worcester State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Harrisburg (1220) is 70 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Worcester State University 1026/1283; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsPenn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Worcester State University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Worcester State University (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at Worcester State University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

Worcester State University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Worcester State University and Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $6,818 lower median loan debt than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($206 vs. $277).
• More Penn State Harrisburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 66%)

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.