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
NCAA Athletics
—
Division I · FBS
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
83.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.8
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
Academics & Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
3,858
2,536
Women Faculty
43%
45%
Research Spending
$909M
$437M
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Student Body
Women
48%
56%
Men
52%
44%
White
58%
72%
Black / African American
5%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
8%
Asian
7%
5%
International
15%
5%
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$21,631
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,338
$29,219
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$20,121
In-State Tuition
$19,286
$8,711
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,102
$30,674
Room and Board
$15,044
$12,920
Percent Receiving Aid
37.0%
76.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$9,865
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate
71.0%
56.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
86.0%
74.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
87.0%
75.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
90.0%
Employment Rate
73.1%
79.7%
10 Year Median Earnings
$63,435
$64,762
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
NCAA Athletics
—
Division I · FBS
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
83.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.8
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
Full-Time Faculty
3,858
2,536
Women Faculty
43%
45%
Research Spending
$909M
$437M
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Women
48%
56%
Men
52%
44%
White
58%
72%
Black / African American
5%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
8%
Asian
7%
5%
International
15%
5%
Sticker Price
$34,330
$21,631
Total Cost of Attendance
$41,338
$29,219
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$20,121
In-State Tuition
$19,286
$8,711
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,102
$30,674
Room and Board
$15,044
$12,920
Percent Receiving Aid
37.0%
76.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$9,865
4-Year Graduation Rate
71.0%
56.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
86.0%
74.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
87.0%
75.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
90.0%
Employment Rate
73.1%
79.7%
10 Year Median Earnings
$63,435
$64,762
Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%, while University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. This means Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is more selective than University of Iowa.
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