Academic Comparison between Rutgers and Penn State

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, NJ and Penn State is located in University Park, 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than Rutgers ($37,441).
  • It is harder to admit to Rutgers than Penn State.
  • Rutgers has a higher submitted SAT score (1,410) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Rutgers has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Penn State (30).
  • Rutgers has more students with 52,269 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Rutgers has 3,426 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Rutgers University-New Brunswickvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
New Brunswick, New JerseyLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$17,929
Out-Of-State$37,441
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
57%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$14,869Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
58.15 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
20.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,410SAT Score1,330
31ACT Score30
84 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
93 %Retention Rate93 %
52,269Student Population50,737
3,426Number of Faculties4,174
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, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare