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AdmissionsOS

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg vs Pennsylvania Western University

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg Pennsylvania Western University
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 98% 94%
SAT range (mid 50%) 1,120-1,310 940-1,140
ACT range (mid 50%) 22-31 17-25
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $23,330 $18,256
Sticker cost of attendance $32,521 $26,916
Graduation rate 26% 52%
Retention rate 82% 72%
Undergraduates 4,031 7,451
Student-faculty ratio 15:1 18:1
Setting Middletown, PA California, PA
Type Public Public
Application fee n/a $35
Test policy n/a Required for some

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the cycle.

Common questions

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or Pennsylvania Western University harder to get into?

Pennsylvania Western University is more selective, with a 94% acceptance rate versus 98% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University has the lower average net price ($18,256 versus $23,330). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.