Academic Comparison between Penn State and OSU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Ohio State University-Main Campus 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 OSU is located in Columbus, OH.

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 (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • OSU has higher submitted ACT score (29) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Ohio State University-Main Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationColumbus, Ohio
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$12,859
Out-Of-State$38,365
56%% Receiving Financial Aid72%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,125
54.22 %Acceptance Rates50.82 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.65 %
1,310SAT Score1,400
29ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate88 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate7 %
91 %Retention Rate93 %
50,028Student Population60,540
2,994Number of Faculties4,451
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