College Comparison
Penn State vs University of Delaware: 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 Delaware
Newark, DE
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | University of Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 65.1% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400wins | 1200–1360 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 27–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $39,720wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $16,931wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $72,950wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 78.8% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 90.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 18,812 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out University of Delaware on 5 of 8 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
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
University of Delaware Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,720
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,931
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $72,950
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.