Academic Comparison between Rutgers and Penn State

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, NJ 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 Rutgers ($36,001).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Rutgers.
  • Rutgers has a higher submitted SAT score (1,380) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Rutgers has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Penn State (29).
  • Rutgers has more students with 50,637 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • Rutgers has more full-time faculties with 3,456 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rutgers University-New Brunswickvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
New Brunswick, New JerseyLocationUniversity 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$17,239
Out-Of-State$36,001
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
62%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$11,439Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
65.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
27.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,380SAT Score1,310
31ACT Score29
84 %Graduation Rate83 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
92 %Retention Rate91 %
50,637Student Population50,028
3,456Number of Faculties2,994
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, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services