Academic Comparison between Penn State and IU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Indiana University-Bloomington 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 IU is located in Bloomington, IN.

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 (1,330) than IU (1,290).
  • Both Penn State and IU 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Indiana University-Bloomington
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationBloomington, Indiana
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$12,144
Out-Of-State$41,891
50%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,540
60.56 %Acceptance Rates78.21 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.16 %
1,330SAT Score1,290
30ACT Score30
86 %Graduation Rate80 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate10 %
93 %Retention Rate91 %
50,737Student Population48,424
4,174Number of Faculties2,098
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), 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, On-campus daycare