U of K vs The Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: the University of Kentucky (UK) and The Pennsylvania State University (PSU). While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they each possess unique characteristics that may influence your college experience. UK, nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, boasts a vibrant campus and a strong sense of community. PSU, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, offers a sprawling campus with a diverse student body. As you embark on your academic journey, consider the acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates of these two universities. Explore the comparison table below to discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() University of Kentucky |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | Lexington, Kentucky |
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% | 86.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 94.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$65
|
SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | 1083 - 1330 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 22 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | 10.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | 70.0% |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 21,695 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 20,396 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 4,721 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 23.1% |
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 | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$38,270
Out of state:
$55,848
|
In state:
$31,690
Out of state:
$50,688
|
Average net price | $24,012 | $20,043 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
|
In state:
$11,247
Out of state:
$30,245
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
|
Room/dormitory:
$9,650
Meal plan:
$4,536
|
Available payment plans |
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|
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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 $11,623 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
41.0%
Average amount $5,177 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
9.0%
Average amount $19,204 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
21,900
Men 43.1% Women 56.9% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
8,490
Men 37.7% Women 62.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 34.1% | N/A |
International students | 10.5% | 4.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 7,294 |
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 | Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 68.2% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 30.6% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
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)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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