Academic Comparison between UPenn and Penn State Harrisburg

University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UPenn is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Philadelphia, PA and Penn State Harrisburg is a four-year, public school located in Middletown, 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.

  • UPenn is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Harrisburg is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • UPenn has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,686) than Penn State Harrisburg ($26,958).
  • It is harder to admit to UPenn than Penn State Harrisburg.
  • UPenn has a higher submitted SAT score (1,550) than Penn State Harrisburg (1,220).
  • UPenn has higher submitted ACT score (35) than Penn State Harrisburg (27).
  • UPenn has more students with 29,109 students while Penn State Harrisburg has 4,478 students.
  • UPenn has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Penn State Harrisburg's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • UPenn has more full-time faculties with 2,268 faculties while Penn State Harrisburg has 246 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Pennsylvaniavs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationMiddletown, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
$68,6862025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,972
Out-Of-State$26,958
52%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$53,735Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,737
5.40 %Acceptance Rates97.60 %
67.98 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.24 %
1,550SAT Score1,220
35ACT Score27
97 %Graduation Rate26 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
99 %Retention Rate82 %
29,109Student Population4,478
2,268Number of Faculties246
8 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 services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services