Academic Comparison between Penn State and PU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Purdue 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 PU is located in West Lafayette, 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.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,188) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to PU than Penn State.
  • PU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • PU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while PU has 2,039 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Purdue University-Main Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationWest Lafayette, 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
56%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,819
54.00 %Acceptance Rates50.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,320
29ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate83 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate90 %
50,028Student Population51,528
2,994Number of Faculties2,039
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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