Academic Comparison between Penn State and OSU

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

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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Ohio State University-Main Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationColumbus, Ohio
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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
50%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,876
60.56 %Acceptance Rates60.57 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.78 %
1,330SAT Score1,400
30ACT Score30
86 %Graduation Rate88 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate94 %
50,737Student Population61,443
4,174Number of Faculties5,014
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, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare