College Comparison
Penn State vs University of Kentucky: 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 Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | University of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2%wins | 92.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400wins | 1080–1290 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32wins | 21–28 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $33,406wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $17,218wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435wins | $59,025 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 69.9% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 23,189 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out University of Kentucky 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
University of Kentucky Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,406
- ✓Avg Net Price: $17,218
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