When choosing a college, students often face a difficult decision between several institutions. In this comparison, we will analyze the University of Scranton and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to help prospective students make an informed choice. By examining factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of each school.
University of Scranton Overview
The University of Scranton is a private, Jesuit Catholic university located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1888, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. With a strong emphasis on service, community, and personal growth, the University of Scranton aims to provide a well-rounded education for all its students.
University of Scranton Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Scranton is approximately $46,398 per year for full-time undergraduate students. Room and board costs are estimated at $15,110 per year. Financial aid is available, with 98% of first-year students receiving some form of financial assistance. The average financial aid package is $25,000.
University of Scranton Admissions
The University of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 73%, making it a moderately selective institution. The middle 50% of accepted students have a high school GPA between 3.4 and 3.9, and SAT scores between 1130 and 1310. Applicants are also required to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
University of Scranton Degrees Offered
The University of Scranton offers over 60 undergraduate majors and more than 30 graduate programs. Popular majors include business, health professions, and social sciences. The university also has a strong focus on service-learning and study abroad opportunities.
University of Scranton Academics
With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the University of Scranton emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. Approximately 80% of classes have fewer than 30 students, allowing for a more engaging and interactive learning environment.
University of Scranton Diversity
The University of Scranton is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 20% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. The university also offers various diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.
University of Scranton Students
The University of Scranton has a total enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, with 3,900 undergraduate students and 1,100 graduate students. The gender distribution is relatively even, with 54% of students identifying as female and 46% as male.
University of Scranton Campus
The University of Scranton’s 58-acre campus is located in the heart of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The campus offers modern facilities, including a new science center, an award-winning library, and a fitness center. Additionally, there are over 80 student clubs and organizations, as well as numerous service opportunities and study abroad programs.
University of Scranton Alumni
Notable University of Scranton alumni include former Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey, television personality Maria Bartiromo, and author Mary Higgins Clark. The university also boasts a strong alumni network, with over 49,000 alumni worldwide.
University of Scranton Rankings
The University of Scranton ranks #6 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks #12 in Best Value Schools and #19 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
University of Scranton Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at the University of Scranton is 82%, and the average starting salary for graduates is around $45,000. The university also has a strong career development program to help students prepare for life after graduation.
TCNJ Overview
The College of New Jersey, or TCNJ, is a public institution located in Ewing Township, New Jersey. Founded in 1855, TCNJ is known for its strong commitment to undergraduate education, offering over 50 liberal arts and professional programs.
TCNJ Costs & Tuition
In-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students at TCNJ is approximately $16,551 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $28,264 per year. Room and board costs are estimated at $13,021 per year. Financial aid is available, with 63% of first-year students receiving some form of financial assistance. The average financial aid package is $10,400.
TCNJ Admissions
TCNJ has an acceptance rate of 49%, making it a selective institution. The middle 50% of accepted students have a high school GPA between 3.6 and 4.3, and SAT scores between 1210 and 1390. Applicants are also required to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
TCNJ Degrees Offered
TCNJ offers over 50 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. Popular majors include business, education, and health professions. The college also has a strong focus on research and experiential learning opportunities.
TCNJ Academics
With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, TCNJ emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. Approximately 78% of classes have fewer than 30 students, allowing for a more engaging and interactive learning environment.
TCNJ Diversity
TCNJ is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 25% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. The college also offers various diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.
TCNJ Students
TCNJ has a total enrollment of approximately 7,400 students, with 6,800 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students. The gender distribution is relatively even, with 56% of students identifying as female and 44% as male.
TCNJ Campus
TCNJ’s 289-acre campus is located in suburban Ewing Township, New Jersey. The campus offers modern facilities, including a newly renovated library, a fitness center, and a performing arts center. Additionally, there are over 200 student clubs and organizations, as well as numerous service opportunities and study abroad programs.
TCNJ Alumni
Notable TCNJ alumni include television personality Tom McCarthy, former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and author Holly Black. The college also boasts a strong alumni network, with over 65,000 alumni worldwide.
TCNJ Rankings
TCNJ ranks #4 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks #5 in Best Value Schools and #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
TCNJ Outcomes
The six-year graduation rate at TCNJ is 87%, and the average starting salary for graduates is around $50,000. The college also has a strong career development program to help students prepare for life after graduation.
University of Scranton vs TCNJ Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attending each institution, it is essential to consider both tuition and room and board expenses. In-state students at TCNJ will find a significantly lower cost of attendance compared to the University of Scranton. Out-of-state students may also find the overall cost at TCNJ to be more affordable.
However, it is crucial to consider the financial aid available at each school. While the University of Scranton has a higher tuition cost, the average financial aid package is also larger, potentially offsetting some of the expense for students who qualify for aid.
University of Scranton vs TCNJ Admissions Difficulty
When comparing the admissions difficulty, TCNJ is the more selective institution, with an acceptance rate of 49% compared to the University of Scranton’s 73%. Students applying to TCNJ will generally need higher high school GPAs and standardized test scores for admission.
University of Scranton vs TCNJ Academic Difficulty
Both institutions have similar student-to-faculty ratios and class sizes, which contribute to a more personalized learning environment. However, the selective nature of TCNJ’s admissions may indicate a somewhat more challenging academic environment.
University of Scranton vs TCNJ Outcome Comparison
When considering outcomes, both schools have high six-year graduation rates, with TCNJ at 87% and the University of Scranton at 82%. Graduates from TCNJ also have a slightly higher average starting salary of $50,000 compared to the University of Scranton’s $45,000. Ultimately, choosing between these two institutions will depend on individual factors such as cost, academic interests, and campus life.
