University of Iowa (UIowa) vs The Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: The University of Iowa and The Pennsylvania State University. While both share a commitment to academic excellence, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the spectrum of popular majors offered, immerse yourself in the diverse student body demographics, and evaluate the graduation rates that reflect each institution's dedication to student success. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed choice, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal growth.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() University of Iowa |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | Iowa City, Iowa |
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% | 88.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 86.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
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SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | 1130 - 1350 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 22 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | 18.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | 65.0% |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 22,434 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 19,340 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 4,521 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 23.4% |
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:
$24,686
Out of state:
$46,649
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Average net price | $24,012 | $17,599 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
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In state:
$8,356
Out of state:
$30,319
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
|
$11,780 |
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 |
71.0%
Average amount $11,007 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
44.0%
Average amount $5,282 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
10.0%
Average amount $16,747 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
21,608
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
8,301
Men 46.1% Women 53.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 34.1% | 39.4% |
International students | 10.5% | 5.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 6,660 |
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 | Iowa Illinois Minnesota Wisconsin California |
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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 | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 73.7% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 7.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 17.7% |
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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Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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