College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
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
Charlottesville, VA
Total Enrollment
50,737
26,409
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
17,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
16.8%
Average GPA
3.87
4.00
SAT Range
1240–1420
1410–1540
ACT Range
27–32
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$75
Total Applicants
88,478
58,951
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$33,921
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$17,831
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$18,059
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$53,325
Room & Board
$15,044
$15,862
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
39.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$28,715
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
89.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$86,863
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
UVA is in Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $17,831 at Virginia-Main Campus. Virginia-Main Campus is $9,619 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 Virginia-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1410-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Virginia-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 93%. Virginia-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 Virginia-Main Campus has a ratio of 15:1. Virginia-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 Virginia-Main Campus, 39% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,715.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $86,863 for Virginia-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Virginia-Main Campus 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. Virginia-Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, VA in a suburb: midsize setting.