Academic Comparison between UI and Penn State

University of Iowa and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UI is located in Iowa City, IA 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 UI ($32,927).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than UI.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,220) than UI (1,220).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (25) than UI (25).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while UI has 30,015 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while UI has 2,485 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Iowavs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Iowa City, IowaLocationUniversity 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$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
70%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$10,058Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
84.67 %Acceptance Rates54.22 %
23.29 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.40 %
1,220SAT Score1,310
25ACT Score29
73 %Graduation Rate83 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
89 %Retention Rate91 %
30,015Student Population50,028
2,485Number of Faculties2,994
16 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