Academic Comparison between Penn State and Carlow

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Carlow University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA and Carlow is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Pittsburgh, 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.

  • Penn State is a public and Carlow is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Carlow ($35,874).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Carlow.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Carlow (1,080).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Carlow has 2,416 students.
  • Carlow has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Carlow has 105 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Carlow University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
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$35,874
50%% Receiving Financial Aid84%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$19,806
60.56 %Acceptance Rates86.95 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.74 %
1,330SAT Score1,080
30ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate60 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate38 %
93 %Retention Rate84 %
50,737Student Population2,416
4,174Number of Faculties105
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 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