The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) vs ASU Tempe
Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of State College, Pennsylvania, and Tempe, Arizona, home to The Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University, respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they also possess unique characteristics that set them apart. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the intricacies of each institution, contrasting acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover the nuances that distinguish these two esteemed universities, empowering you to make an informed decision about your academic journey.
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![]() Arizona State University Campus Immersion |
![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Tempe, Arizona | University Park, Pennsylvania |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 87.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 88.2% | 92.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$70
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Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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SAT range | N/A | 1140 - 1360 |
ACT range | N/A | 25 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 61,603 | 96,686 |
Total number of admissions given out | 54,329 | 89,207 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 14,250 | 16,049 |
Yield rate | 26.2% | 18.0% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$27,034
Out of state:
$45,124
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In state:
$38,270
Out of state:
$55,848
|
Average net price | $14,934 | $24,012 |
Tuition |
In state:
$10,710
Out of state:
$28,800
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In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$8,176
Meal plan:
$5,520
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Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
89.0%
Average amount $12,201 |
51.0%
Average amount $9,884 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
28.0%
Average amount $4,913 |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $20,834 |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
64,716
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
Graduate students |
13,165
Men 52.1% Women 47.9% |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 37.3% | 34.1% |
International students | 11.8% | 10.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 16,334 | 20,547 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Arizona California Illinois Washington Texas | Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 66.0% | 72.3% |
Dropout rate | 11.4% | 25.7% |
Transferred out | 20.8% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Associate's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
Nuclear Engineering (Master's Degrees)
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