College Comparison
Florida State 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
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Florida State | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 25.4%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1240–1390wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–31 | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $18,786wins | $40,188 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,997wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $61,675 | $63,435wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0% | 85.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 95.6%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 31,812 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Florida State edges out Penn State on 5 of 9 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.
Florida State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1390
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,997
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $63,435
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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