Academic Comparison between IU and Penn State

Indiana University-Bloomington and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. IU is located in Bloomington, IN and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • IU has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,891) than Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than IU.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,290) than IU (1,290).
  • Both IU and Penn State have the same submitted ACT scores (30).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while IU has 48,424 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while IU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while IU has 2,098 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Indiana University-Bloomingtonvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bloomington, IndianaLocationUniversity 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$12,144
Out-Of-State$41,891
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
68%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$11,540Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
78.21 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
18.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,290SAT Score1,330
30ACT Score30
80 %Graduation Rate86 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
91 %Retention Rate93 %
48,424Student Population50,737
2,098Number of Faculties4,174
18 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