Academic Comparison between Penn State and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology ($24,400).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has 3,650 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has 135 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationHarrisburg, 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$24,400
50%% Receiving Financial Aid82%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$18,012
60.56 %Acceptance Rates87.35 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.57 %
1,330SAT Score-
30ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate34 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate5 %
93 %Retention Rate74 %
50,737Student Population3,650
4,174Number of Faculties135
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), Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services