Academic Comparison between Penn State and UIUC

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 UIUC is located in Champaign, IL.

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 UIUC ($39,192).
  • It is harder to admit to UIUC than Penn State.
  • UIUC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • UIUC has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • UIUC has more students with 56,916 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while UIUC has 2,434 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationChampaign, Illinois
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$18,060
Out-Of-State$39,192
56%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,449
54.00 %Acceptance Rates44.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,410
29ACT Score32
83 %Graduation Rate84 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate93 %
50,028Student Population56,916
2,994Number of Faculties2,434
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio21 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare