Iona University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Iona University in New Rochelle, NY with Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iona University is larger than Penn State Altoona based on total student enrollment (3,958 students vs. 2,371 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Iona University is located in New Rochelle, NY (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Iona University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Iona University 16:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Iona University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iona University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Penn State Altoona than Iona University ($21,618 vs. $29,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Altoona are 23.1% lower than at Iona University ($14,474 vs. $18,820).
• Iona University is 195.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $31,288 more per year; $47,260.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.3% higher at Iona University than at Penn State Altoona (about $20,302 more per year; $47,260.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Iona University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Iona University students is 177.6% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($30,780 vs. $11,088).

Iona University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iona University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Altoona and Iona University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iona University (1210) is 30 points higher than at Penn State Altoona (1180).
• Incoming Iona University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Penn State Altoona).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iona University 1110/1300; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Iona University 24/29; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iona University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iona University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iona University students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Iona University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Iona University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Iona University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iona University and Penn State Altoona? 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 Altoona's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Iona University's (57%).
• Graduates from Iona University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Penn State Altoona graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iona University graduates have a $771 lower median loan debt than Penn State Altoona graduates ($26,047 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, Iona University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Altoona graduates ($269 vs. $277).
• More Iona University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.