College Comparison
Ohio 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
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Ohio State | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.8%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1330–1480wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–32wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $38,365wins | $40,188 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,292wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $60,409 | $63,435wins |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 94.1%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 44,617wins | 41,862 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Ohio State 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.
Ohio State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 50.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $38,365
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $63,435
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
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