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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
IU Penn State
Vote to see the other's choices.

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
80.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
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