Academic Comparison between Penn State and Rutgers

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, NJ.

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 ($40,188) than Rutgers ($36,001).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Rutgers.
  • Rutgers has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Rutgers has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • Rutgers has more students with 50,637 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • Rutgers has more full-time faculties with 3,456 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Rutgers University-New Brunswick
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationNew Brunswick, New Jersey
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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,239
Out-Of-State$36,001
56%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,439
54.00 %Acceptance Rates65.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,380
29ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate84 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate7 %
91 %Retention Rate92 %
50,028Student Population50,637
2,994Number of Faculties3,456
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare