College Comparison
Rutgers University 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 54.2%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001wins | $40,188 |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0% | 85.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.6%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Rutgers edges out Penn State on 6 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.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1480
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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