Academic Comparison between Penn State and UI

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Iowa 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 UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

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 UI ($32,927).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than UI.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than UI (1,220).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (29) than UI (25).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,399 students while UI has 30,042 students.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UI has 2,474 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Iowa
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationIowa City, Iowa
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$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
49%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$13,716Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,772
54.22 %Acceptance Rates84.67 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.29 %
1,310SAT Score1,220
29ACT Score25
86 %Graduation Rate73 %
-Transfer-out Rate19 %
92 %Retention Rate89 %
50,399Student Population30,042
4,174Number of Faculties2,474
15 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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare