Academic Comparison between UIUC and Penn State

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UIUC is located in Champaign, IL 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 UIUC ($40,096).
  • It is harder to admit to UIUC than Penn State.
  • UIUC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,440) than Penn State (1,330).
  • UIUC has higher submitted ACT score (32) than Penn State (30).
  • UIUC has more students with 59,238 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UIUC has 2,498 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaignvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Champaign, IllinoisLocationUniversity 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$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
55%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$17,924Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
42.37 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
28.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,440SAT Score1,330
32ACT Score30
85 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
95 %Retention Rate93 %
59,238Student Population50,737
2,498Number of Faculties4,174
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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