Academic Comparison between Penn State and UI

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Iowa 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 UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

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 UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than UI.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than UI (1,230).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (30) than UI (24).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while UI has 30,779 students.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UI has 2,474 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Iowa
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationIowa City, Iowa
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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
50%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,070
60.56 %Acceptance Rates83.62 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.43 %
1,330SAT Score1,230
30ACT Score24
86 %Graduation Rate75 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate17 %
93 %Retention Rate90 %
50,737Student Population30,779
4,174Number of Faculties2,474
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare