Academic Comparison between OSU and Penn State

Ohio State University-Main Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. OSU is located in Columbus, OH 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.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,188) than OSU ($38,365).
  • It is harder to admit to OSU than Penn State.
  • OSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,400) than Penn State (1,310).
  • OSU has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Penn State (29).
  • OSU has more students with 60,540 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while OSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 4,451 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ohio State University-Main Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OhioLocationUniversity 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$12,859
Out-Of-State$38,365
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
72%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$11,125Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
51.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
23.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,400SAT Score1,310
31ACT Score29
88 %Graduation Rate83 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
93 %Retention Rate91 %
60,540Student Population50,028
4,451Number 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