Robert Morris University vs Gannon University

Robert Morris University and Gannon University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences. Robert Morris University, located in Moon Township, boasts a higher acceptance rate of 78%, while Gannon University in Erie maintains a more selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%. In terms of student body demographics, Robert Morris University's student population is more diverse, with 38% identifying as racial or ethnic minorities compared to Gannon University's 24%. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Robert Morris University including Business, Health Professions, and Engineering, while Gannon University is known for its strengths in Engineering, Business, and Education. With graduation rates of 62% and 65% respectively, both universities demonstrate a commitment to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Gannon University	Robert Morris University
Overview
Location	Erie, Pennsylvania	Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	79.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.6%	94.0%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $35
SAT range	990 - 1250	N/A
ACT range	20 - 28	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	34.0%
Students submitting ACT score	9.0%
Total number of applicants	4,746	5,012
Total number of admissions given out	3,967	4,709
Admitted students who chose to enroll	644	676
Yield rate	16.2%	14.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$53,320	$48,700
Average net price	$22,258	$23,183
Tuition	$33,560	$31,450
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,810 Meal plan: $6,790	Room/dormitory: $6,770 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $26,143	98.0% Average amount $23,648
Students receiving federal student loan	86.0% Average amount $5,606	64.0% Average amount $5,369
Students taking out private loans	17.0% Average amount $17,413	19.0% Average amount $15,489

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,165 Men 39.9% Women 60.1%	3,005 Men 55.1% Women 44.9%
Graduate students	1,431 Men 40.9% Women 59.1%	759 Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	28.0%	17.5%
International students	15.0%	5.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,372	1,823
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New York Ohio Florida Maryland	Pennsylvania Ohio Maryland New Jersey New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Education Business Kinesiology & Leisure Studies	Business Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Computer and Information Science Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.3%	65.0%
Dropout rate	14.7%	10.6%
Transferred out	20.7%	24.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $159,494 Year 2: $164,940 Year 3: $169,535 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,754 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $95,657 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,092 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $72,856 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,695 Year 2: $63,799 Year 3: $65,207 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,910 Year 2: $54,154 Year 3: $63,979 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,757 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $63,725 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,442 Year 2: $54,760 Year 3: $60,940 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,683 Year 3: $54,255 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,416 Year 2: $49,392 Year 3: $50,246 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,816 Year 2: $31,853 Year 3: $40,780	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $92,343 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,593 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,195 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $72,032 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,287 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $71,651 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,660 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $71,213 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,571 Year 2: $58,881 Year 3: $61,606 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,446 Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: $61,280 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,705 Year 2: $48,725 Year 3: $57,246 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,259 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $51,243 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,788 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $47,397 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,756 Year 2: $37,856 Year 3: $43,990

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Robert Morris University (RMU) and Gannon University?

Robert Morris University (RMU) is a private university located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, known for its focus on professional programs and experiential learning. Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a Catholic university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and service-learning. RMU tends to attract students interested in business, engineering, and communication, while Gannon appeals to those seeking a faith-based education with a broader range of academic disciplines.
Where are Robert Morris University and Gannon University located, and how does location impact student life?

RMU is situated in a suburban setting in Moon Township, offering a quieter environment with easy access to the city of Pittsburgh for internships, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Gannon University is located in downtown Erie, providing students with a more urban experience, close to Lake Erie and various city amenities. Gannon's location offers opportunities for community engagement and service within the city, while RMU's location provides a balance of campus life and access to a major metropolitan area.
What are the academic strengths of Robert Morris University and Gannon University?

RMU excels in business, engineering, communication, and information systems, offering programs designed to prepare students for specific careers. Gannon University is known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and the liberal arts, with a focus on ethical leadership and social responsibility. Consider your academic interests when deciding which university aligns best with your goals.
How do the tuition and fees compare between RMU and Gannon?

Tuition and fees can vary annually, so it's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information. Generally, both RMU and Gannon are private universities, so tuition is comparable. However, the overall cost can differ based on scholarships, financial aid packages, and living expenses. Be sure to explore all available financial aid options at both institutions.
What is the student body size and campus culture like at RMU and Gannon?

RMU has a student body of around 4,000 students, fostering a close-knit community with a focus on career preparation. Gannon University has a similar student body size, creating a welcoming and supportive environment with a strong emphasis on faith and service. RMU's campus culture is often described as career-focused and driven, while Gannon's is known for its community involvement and commitment to social justice.
What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at each university?

Both RMU and Gannon offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and Greek life. RMU has a strong focus on professional organizations related to its academic programs, as well as a variety of social and recreational clubs. Gannon University offers numerous clubs and organizations related to faith, service, academics, and recreation. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and enhance their college experience.
What are the athletic programs like at Robert Morris University and Gannon University?

Robert Morris University competes in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a variety of varsity sports for both men and women. Gannon University competes in NCAA Division II athletics, also providing a range of varsity sports. If you're an athlete, consider which division and specific sports programs align with your athletic goals and abilities.
What kind of career services and internship opportunities are available at RMU and Gannon?

Both RMU and Gannon University offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance. RMU emphasizes experiential learning through internships and co-ops, particularly in business and engineering. Gannon also provides internship opportunities and career development resources, with a focus on connecting students with employers in the Erie region and beyond. Both universities are committed to helping students transition successfully into their chosen careers.
How does the religious affiliation of Gannon University affect student life for non-Catholic students?

While Gannon University is a Catholic institution, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. The university's Catholic identity is reflected in its values of service, social justice, and ethical leadership, which are integrated into the curriculum and campus life. Non-Catholic students are not required to participate in religious activities, but they are encouraged to engage in discussions about faith and values. Gannon strives to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
What are the graduation and retention rates for both universities?

Graduation and retention rates are important indicators of student success. You can find the most current graduation and retention rates for both RMU and Gannon University on their respective websites, typically in the 'About Us' or 'Facts and Figures' sections. These rates can provide insights into the overall student experience and the support services offered by each institution.

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