Ohio State University vs Penn State University Introduction
When considering higher education, prospective students often face the challenge of selecting the best institution based on their academic interests, financial situation, and personal preferences. In this comparison guide, we will take a closer look at Ohio State University and Penn State University, two reputable public universities in the United States. We will compare various aspects, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes, to help you make a more informed decision.
Ohio State University (OSU) Overview
Ohio State University, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a large public research institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference. It was founded in 1870 and currently has more than 60,000 students enrolled across its undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The university has a strong focus on research, innovation, and community engagement.
OSU Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the in-state tuition and fees for OSU were $11,084, while out-of-state students paid $32,061. Room and board expenses were approximately $12,434. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 77% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
OSU Admissions
The acceptance rate at OSU is 54%, making it a somewhat competitive university. The middle 50% of accepted students have an ACT score between 27 and 32 and an SAT score between 1330 and 1450. High school GPA is also an important factor, with the average admitted student having a 3.83 GPA.
OSU Degrees Offered
Ohio State University offers over 200 undergraduate majors and more than 300 graduate and professional degree programs. Some of its most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences.
OSU Academics
OSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States for its academic programs and research contributions. It has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, with 39% of its classes having fewer than 20 students. The freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 94%.
OSU Diversity
Ohio State University has a diverse student body, with 22% of students identifying as individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds. International students make up 9% of the student population, hailing from over 100 countries.
OSU Students
OSU has a vibrant campus life, with more than 1,000 student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and sports clubs. Its athletic teams, known as the Buckeyes, are part of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference and are highly competitive in various sports, including football, basketball, and track and field.
OSU Campus
The Ohio State University campus encompasses over 1,600 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. Its facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and residence halls. The campus is also known for its green spaces, including the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens.
OSU Alumni
Notable alumni of Ohio State University include author R.L. Stine, astronaut John Glenn, and football coach Urban Meyer. OSU has a strong alumni network, with over 580,000 living alumni around the world.
OSU Rankings
Ohio State University is ranked #53 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #17 in Top Public Schools.
OSU Outcomes
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the graduation rate at OSU is 84%, and the 10-year median salary for OSU graduates is $52,900.
Penn State University (PSU) Overview
Penn State University, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, is a well-known public research university and a member of the Big Ten Conference. It was founded in 1855 and has over 46,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The university is renowned for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs.
PSU Costs & Tuition
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees at PSU were $18,450, while out-of-state students paid $35,514. Room and board expenses were approximately $11,570. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 65% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
PSU Admissions
The acceptance rate at PSU is 56%, making it a somewhat competitive university. The middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1160 and 1360 and an ACT score between 25 and 30. High school GPA is also an important factor, with the average admitted student having a 3.79 GPA.
PSU Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers more than 275 undergraduate majors and over 200 graduate and professional degree programs. Some of its most popular majors include Engineering, Business, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences.
PSU Academics
PSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States for its academic programs and research contributions. It has a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, with 38% of its classes having fewer than 20 students. The freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 93%.
PSU Diversity
Penn State University has a diverse student body, with 21% of students identifying as individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds. International students make up 10% of the student population, coming from over 100 countries.
PSU Students
PSU has a lively campus life, with more than 1,000 student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and sports clubs. Its athletic teams, known as the Nittany Lions, are part of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference and are highly competitive in various sports, including football, wrestling, and volleyball.
PSU Campus
The Penn State University campus spans over 7,958 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. Its facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and residence halls. The campus is also known for its scenic beauty, including the nearby Mount Nittany.
PSU Alumni
Notable alumni of Penn State University include author John Irving, astronaut Guion Bluford, and football coach Joe Paterno. PSU has a strong alumni network, with over 700,000 living alumni worldwide.
PSU Rankings
Penn State University is ranked #63 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report and #23 in Top Public Schools.
PSU Outcomes
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the graduation rate at PSU is 85%, and the 10-year median salary for PSU graduates is $49,600.
Ohio State University vs Penn State University Cost Comparison
While both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students, Ohio State University is more affordable for out-of-state students, with a tuition of $32,061 compared to Penn State’s $35,514. Room and board expenses are similar for both universities, with OSU costing $12,434 and PSU costing $11,570. Financial aid is available at both institutions, with a greater percentage of undergraduate students receiving aid at OSU (77%) compared to PSU (65%).
Ohio State University vs Penn State University Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have similar acceptance rates, with OSU at 54% and PSU at 56%. The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools have comparable ACT and SAT scores, although OSU has a slightly higher average high school GPA (3.83) than PSU (3.79). Both institutions are considered somewhat competitive in terms of admissions.
Ohio State University vs Penn State University Academic Difficulty
Both OSU and PSU are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong research contributions. The student-faculty ratios are similar at 19:1 for OSU and 14:1 for PSU, and both universities have a high percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students. The freshman retention rates are also comparable, with OSU at 94% and PSU at 93%.
Ohio State University vs Penn State University Outcome Comparison
Both universities have high graduation rates, with OSU at 84% and PSU at 85%. The 10-year median salary for OSU graduates is $52,900, while PSU graduates have a median salary of $49,600. Overall, both universities have strong outcomes for their graduates, with OSU having a slightly higher earning potential.
In conclusion, both Ohio State University and Penn State University offer high-quality education, diverse student populations, and competitive athletic programs. Your choice between the two will depend on factors such as cost, location, and specific academic interests.
