Academic Comparison between Penn State and SU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

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 SU ($15,824).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than SU.
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (30) than SU (22).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while SU has 5,161 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while SU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while SU has 233 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Penn State SU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationShippensburg, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$13,570
Out-Of-State$15,824
50%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,828
60.56 %Acceptance Rates86.50 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.51 %
1,330SAT Score-
30ACT Score22
86 %Graduation Rate56 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate22 %
93 %Retention Rate77 %
50,737Student Population5,161
4,174Number of Faculties233
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare