College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Iowa
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
Iowa City, IA
Total Enrollment
50,737
30,779
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
22,738
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
16:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
83.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.80
SAT Range
1240–1420
1130–1330
ACT Range
27–32
21–28
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$40
Total Applicants
88,478
27,770
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$21,631
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$20,121
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$8,711
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$30,674
Room & Board
$15,044
$12,920
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
76.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$9,865
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
74.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
56.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
90.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$64,762
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $20,121 at University of Iowa. University of Iowa is $7,329 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 University of Iowa, the typical SAT range is 1130-1330. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 74%. 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 University of Iowa has a ratio of 16:1. University of Iowa 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 University of Iowa, 76% of students receive aid with an average grant of $9,865.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $64,762 for University of Iowa graduates. Graduates from University of Iowa 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. University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA in a city: small setting.