College Comparison
Penn State vs University of Colorado Boulder: 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
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 83.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1230–1420wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 28–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188wins | $41,943 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $21,480wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $69,738wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 31,578 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out CU Boulder on 6 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Avg Net Price: $21,480
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $69,738
Want a deeper comparison?
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