Academic Comparison between OSU and Penn State

Ohio State University-Main Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. OSU is located in Columbus, OH and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ohio State University-Main Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OhioLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
62%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$12,876Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
60.57 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
21.78 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,400SAT Score1,330
30ACT Score30
88 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
94 %Retention Rate93 %
61,443Student Population50,737
5,014Number of Faculties4,174
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare