The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) vs U of A
Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of State College, Pennsylvania, or Tucson, Arizona, home to The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Arizona, respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they each possess unique characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that distinguish these two esteemed institutions. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the variations in popular majors, and gain insights into the distinct student body demographics. Uncover the differences in graduation rates and delve into the details of financial aid packages. Whether you seek the rich history and traditions of Penn State or the sun-kissed charm of the University of Arizona, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards finding the perfect fit for your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() University of Arizona |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | Tucson, Arizona |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Large |
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% | 84.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 87.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | 1120 - 1370 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 21 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | 13.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | 19.0% |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 48,065 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 41,946 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 8,436 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 20.1% |
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 | Not 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:
$30,136
Out of state:
$54,658
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Average net price | $24,012 | $17,242 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
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In state:
$11,299
Out of state:
$35,821
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
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Room/dormitory:
$8,400
Meal plan:
$5,050
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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 |
92.0%
Average amount $13,790 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
24.0%
Average amount $4,845 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
3.0%
Average amount $20,814 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
37,434
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
10,840
Men 44.5% Women 55.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 34.1% | 48.8% |
International students | 10.5% | 6.5% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 7,036 |
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 | Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 64.3% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 14.3% |
Transferred out | N/A | 19.6% |
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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Physics (Doctoral Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
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