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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College are both public institutions — Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College in Erie, 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.
Altoona, PA · Public
Acceptance rate: 98.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,367
Tuition: $26,958/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 16.5%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Altoona, PA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Erie, PA · Public
Acceptance rate: 96.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,240
Tuition: $26,958/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 43.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Erie, PA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
| Factor | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 98.1% |
| 96.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 1070–1290 | 1120–1310 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 22–28 | 25–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,367 | 3,240 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,958/year | $26,958/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,213 | $24,558 |
| Graduation rate | 16.5% | 43.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $63,435 | $63,435 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Altoona, PA | Erie, PA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Business and marketing, Engineering, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (98.1% vs 96.8%). Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona has a lower average net price after grant aid ($22,213 vs $24,558). Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College reports the higher graduation rate (43.6% vs 16.5%). Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is the larger undergraduate campus (3,240 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-Penn State Altoona and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona has an acceptance rate of 98.1%; Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is around 96.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona tuition is $26,958/year. Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is $26,958/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
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