College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs The University of Texas at Austin
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Austin, TX
Total Enrollment
50,737
53,864
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
43,165
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
26.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.84
SAT Range
1240–1420
1250–1510
ACT Range
27–32
27–33
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$65
$75
Total Applicants
88,478
72,885
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$26,526
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$18,036
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$11,698
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$41,070
Room & Board
$15,044
$14,828
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
42.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$13,681
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
84.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
70.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$75,121
More Comparisons
Compare Penn State with...
View Penn State profile →
Compare UT Austin with...
View UT Austin profile →
Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
UT Austin is in Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $18,036 at The University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin is $9,414 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At The University of Texas at Austin, the typical SAT range is 1250-1510. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while The University of Texas at Austin has a graduation rate of 84%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while The University of Texas at Austin has a ratio of 18:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At The University of Texas at Austin, 42% of students receive aid with an average grant of $13,681.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $75,121 for The University of Texas at Austin graduates. Graduates from The University of Texas at Austin tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. The University of Texas at Austin is located in Austin, TX in a city: large setting.

