Academic Comparison between UNL and Penn State

University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UNL is located in Lincoln, NE 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 UNL ($28,584).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than UNL.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,200) than UNL (1,200).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (24) than UNL (24).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while UNL has 24,393 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UNL's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UNL has 1,296 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Nebraska-Lincolnvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Lincoln, NebraskaLocationUniversity 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$10,434
Out-Of-State$28,584
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
85%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$10,570Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
87.49 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
29.79 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,200SAT Score1,330
24ACT Score30
67 %Graduation Rate86 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
86 %Retention Rate93 %
24,393Student Population50,737
1,296Number of Faculties4,174
17 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