Academic Comparison between Penn State and UIUC

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 UIUC is located in Champaign, IL.

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.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationChampaign, Illinois
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$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
50%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,924
60.56 %Acceptance Rates42.37 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.83 %
1,330SAT Score1,440
30ACT Score32
86 %Graduation Rate85 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate95 %
50,737Student Population59,238
4,174Number of Faculties2,498
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 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