The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) vs Rutgers NB
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: The Pennsylvania State University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they each possess unique characteristics that may influence your college experience. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the distinct academic strengths and opportunities available at each institution, and gain insights into the vibrant campus life and surrounding communities. Whether you seek a large research university with a diverse student body or a mid-sized public institution with a strong focus on undergraduate education, this comparison will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | New Brunswick, New Jersey |
Campus setting | City: Small | 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 | 87.0% | 94.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 68.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$70
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SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | 1240 - 1470 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 27 - 33 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | 45.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | 7.0% |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 43,161 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 29,419 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 7,105 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 24.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | 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:
$38,270
Out of state:
$55,848
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In state:
$40,665
Out of state:
$57,866
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Average net price | $24,012 | $11,803 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
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In state:
$12,536
Out of state:
$29,737
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
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Room/dormitory:
$8,170
Meal plan:
$5,232
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
51.0%
Average amount $9,884 |
60.0%
Average amount $10,835 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
35.0%
Average amount $4,983 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
3.0%
Average amount $16,429 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
36,152
Men 49.9% Women 50.1% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
14,652
Men 36.3% Women 63.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 34.1% | 6.7% |
International students | 10.5% | 10.9% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 16,088 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia | New Jersey New York Pennsylvania California Mississippi |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 83.7% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 6.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | 8.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
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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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
Biological and Physical Sciences (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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