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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Alvernia University are both public institutions — Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus in University Park, PA and Alvernia University in Reading, PA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
University Park, PA · Public
Acceptance rate: 60.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 42,284
Tuition: $41,790/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in University Park, PA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Reading, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 58.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,152
Tuition: $45,000/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 55.5%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Reading, PA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | Alvernia University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% | 58.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1240–1420 |
| 1093–1286 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 27–32 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 42,284 | 2,152 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $41,790/year | $45,000/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,875 | $28,138 |
| Graduation rate | 86.1% | 55.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $63,435 | $55,055 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | University Park, PA | Reading, PA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science | Health professions, Business and marketing, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (60.6% vs 58.1%). Alvernia University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($28,138 vs $32,875). Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus reports the higher graduation rate (86.1% vs 55.5%). Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger undergraduate campus (42,284 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Alvernia University
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60.6%; Alvernia University is around 58.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus tuition is $41,790/year. Alvernia University is $45,000/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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