College Comparison
Cornell University vs Penn State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Cornell edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,337
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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