College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs Ohio 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
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
School
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UPenn | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.9%wins | 50.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | 1330–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 29–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,104 | $38,365wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,229 | $18,292wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $111,371wins | $60,409 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 87.7% |
| Retention Rate | 98.1%wins | 94.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 10,768 | 44,617wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out Ohio 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.
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $111,371
Ohio State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $38,365
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,292
- ✓Total Enrollment: 44,617
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.