Academic Comparison between Penn State and OSU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Ohio State University-Main Campus 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 OSU is located in Columbus, OH.

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.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than OSU ($40,022).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than OSU.
  • OSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Both Penn State and OSU have the same submitted ACT scores (30).
  • OSU has more students with 61,443 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 5,014 faculties while Penn State has 4,174 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Ohio State University-Main Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationColumbus, Ohio
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$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
50%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,876
60.56 %Acceptance Rates60.57 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.78 %
1,330SAT Score1,400
30ACT Score30
86 %Graduation Rate88 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate94 %
50,737Student Population61,443
4,174Number of Faculties5,014
16 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, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare