Academic Comparison between Penn State and IU

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

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 (1,310) than IU (1,280).
  • IU has higher submitted ACT score (29) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Indiana University-Bloomington
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationBloomington, Indiana
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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,790
Out-Of-State$40,482
56%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,451
54.22 %Acceptance Rates80.37 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.89 %
1,310SAT Score1,280
29ACT Score30
83 %Graduation Rate81 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate10 %
91 %Retention Rate90 %
50,028Student Population47,005
2,994Number of Faculties2,081
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare