Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Public4-year

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona

Altoona, Pennsylvania Β· City: SmallOfficial Website β†—

#4151
Nationally
#211
In Pennsylvania
97%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$15,388
In-State Tuition
per year
18%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
2,421
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
35/100
Below Average
#4151 nationally
#211 in Pennsylvania
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes18
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment16
πŸ”¬Program Breadth63

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is a public four-year university located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. With 2,421 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 97%, the institution is considered accessible. In-state tuition is $15,388 per year ($26,112 out-of-state), above average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 18%, which is below average compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate97%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
7,134
Applied
6,942
Admitted
859
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading530 – 630
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math520 – 630
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)22 – 27
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$15,388/yr
In-State Fees$556/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$26,112/yr
Room & Board$15,660/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$31,604/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$42,328/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$15,388↓ Below avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate18%↓ Below avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
2,421
Total Undergrads
46% F / 54% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 72%
Hispanic 8%
Black 6%
Asian 4%
Two or more 4%
International 5%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (97% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Graduation rate of 18% is below the national average β€” research completion support services
  • Β·Room and board costs ($15,660/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationAltoona, Pennsylvania
SettingCity: Small
Size1,000–4,999
State Ranking
#211
in Pennsylvania out of 7+ colleges
#4151
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.