College Comparison
Penn State vs Villanova 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
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2% | 25.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1400–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 32–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188wins | $64,701 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598wins | $44,876 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $100,423wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 92.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 95.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 7,005 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Villanova edges out Penn State on 7 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Avg Net Price: $32,598
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Villanova Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $100,423
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.