Academic Comparison between PU and Penn State

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

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 (1,320) than Penn State (1,310).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
45%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$9,819Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
50.30 %Acceptance Rates54.22 %
25.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.40 %
1,320SAT Score1,310
31ACT Score29
83 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
90 %Retention Rate91 %
51,528Student Population50,028
2,039Number of Faculties2,994
14 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, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services