College Comparison
Penn State vs San Diego State University: 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
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | San Diego State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2% | 34.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $20,170wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $16,174wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $64,909wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 78.3% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0%wins | 90.3% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1wins | 22:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 33,654 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out San Diego State on 5 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1220–1400
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Retention Rate: 92.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
San Diego State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 34.4%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,170
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,174
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $64,909
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