Academic Comparison between Penn State and SU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

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.Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationShippensburg, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,570
Out-Of-State$15,824
50%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,828
60.56 %Acceptance Rates86.50 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.51 %
1,330SAT Score-
30ACT Score22
86 %Graduation Rate56 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
93 %Retention Rate77 %
50,737Student Population5,161
4,174Number of Faculties233
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare