Academic Comparison between UIUC and Penn State

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UIUC is located in Champaign, IL 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 UIUC ($39,192).
  • It is harder to admit to UIUC than Penn State.
  • UIUC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,410) than Penn State (1,310).
  • UIUC has higher submitted ACT score (32) 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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Champaign, IllinoisLocationUniversity 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$18,060
Out-Of-State$39,192
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
58%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$16,449Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
44.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,410SAT Score1,310
32ACT Score29
84 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
93 %Retention Rate91 %
56,916Student Population50,028
2,434Number of Faculties2,994
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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