Academic Comparison between IU and Penn State

Indiana University-Bloomington and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. IU is located in Bloomington, IN and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • IU has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,482) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than IU.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,280) than IU (1,280).
  • IU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State (29).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while IU has 47,005 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while IU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while IU has 2,081 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Indiana University-Bloomingtonvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bloomington, IndianaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,790
Out-Of-State$40,482
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
72%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$11,451Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
80.37 %Acceptance Rates54.22 %
21.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.40 %
1,280SAT Score1,310
30ACT Score29
81 %Graduation Rate83 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
90 %Retention Rate91 %
47,005Student Population50,028
2,081Number of Faculties2,994
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services