College Comparison
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Columbus, OH
University Park, PA
Total Enrollment
61,443
50,737
Undergrad Enrollment
46,815
42,604
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
60.6%
Average GPA
3.83
3.87
SAT Range
1310–1480
1240–1420
ACT Range
28–32
27–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$65
Total Applicants
72,829
88,478
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$26,263
$34,330
Avg Net Price
$19,575
$27,450
Tuition (In-State)
$11,525
$19,286
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$35,782
$38,102
Room & Board
$14,738
$15,044
% Receiving Aid
70.0%
37.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$13,151
$11,336
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
86.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
67.0%
71.0%
Retention Rate
94.0%
93.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$60,409
$63,435
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Explore by Location
Ohio State is in Columbus, OH
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Ohio State University-Main Campus is $19,575 per year, compared to $27,450 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Ohio State University-Main Campus is $7,875 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Ohio State University-Main Campus typically score between 1310-1480 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1240-1420. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Ohio State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 83%, while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Ohio State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a ratio of 16:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Ohio State University-Main Campus, 70% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $13,151. At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive aid with an average grant of $11,336.
The median earnings for Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $60,409, compared to $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Ohio State University-Main Campus is located in Columbus, OH in a city: large setting. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting.

