College Comparison
Penn State vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400wins | 1170–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32wins | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $33,200wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $22,150wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 32,323 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out Alabama 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.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1220–1400
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–32
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $63,435
Alabama Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,200
- ✓Avg Net Price: $22,150
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