College Comparison
University of Rochester vs Penn State: 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 Rochester
Rochester, NY
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | U of Rochester | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 35.9%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1540wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–34wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,348 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $30,248wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $79,042wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.5% | 85.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.5%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,488 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, U of Rochester 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.
U of Rochester Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 35.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $30,248
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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