College Comparison
Penn State vs Colorado State University-Fort Collins: 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
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Colorado State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 89.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $33,751wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $20,332wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435wins | $60,543 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 66.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 84.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 25,148 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out Colorado State on 7 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.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1220–1400
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $63,435
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
Colorado State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,751
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,332
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