Academic Comparison between UIUC and Penn State

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UIUC is located in Champaign, IL 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

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Champaign, IllinoisLocationUniversity 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$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
55%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$17,924Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
42.37 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
28.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,440SAT Score1,330
32ACT Score30
85 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
95 %Retention Rate93 %
59,238Student Population50,737
2,498Number of Faculties4,174
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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