Choosing the right college is an important decision in a person’s life. In this article, we will compare two reputed institutions – Penn State University and Hunter College – to assist you in this decision-making process. We will go through different aspects of each school, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, rankings, and outcomes, to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what each institution has to offer.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University, established in 1855, is a public research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and engagement with local communities. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 24 campuses.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Penn State University varies based on factors such as the student’s residency status and education level. For the 2021-2022 academic year, Pennsylvania residents pay approximately $18,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state residents pay around $35,514. Graduate students can expect to pay between $22,994 and $38,728, depending on their residency status.
Penn State University Admissions
Admission to Penn State University is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 76% in 2019. The university requires SAT or ACT scores for admission, along with a high school transcript and letters of recommendation. In addition, some programs may require additional application materials, such as a portfolio or audition.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers a wide range of degree programs across various fields, including arts and humanities, business, engineering, sciences, education, and health and human development. The university offers over 275 undergraduate majors, 200 graduate programs, and professional degrees in areas such as law and medicine.
Penn State University Academics
Penn State University is known for its high-quality academics and strong emphasis on research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring close interaction between students and faculty. Some of the most popular majors at Penn State include engineering, business, computer and information sciences, and social sciences.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on its campuses. In the fall of 2019, the undergraduate student body was 66% White, 7% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Black or African American, and 5% Asian. The university has various programs and initiatives in place to support and empower students from diverse backgrounds.
Penn State University Students
Penn State University has a total enrollment of over 90,000 students, including around 74,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate students. This large and diverse student body ensures a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events catering to a wide range of interests.
Penn State University Campus
The main campus of Penn State University, located in University Park, spans 7,958 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, research centers, sports venues, and recreational facilities. The campus is known for its picturesque surroundings and lively atmosphere, with countless opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build lasting connections.
Penn State University Alumni
Penn State University has a strong alumni network, with over 700,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Keegan-Michael Key, Ty Burrell, and Lisa Salters. The university provides various resources and services to its alumni, such as career support, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Penn State University Rankings
Penn State University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State was ranked 63rd in National Universities and 23rd in Top Public Schools.
Penn State University Outcomes
Graduates from Penn State University enjoy successful careers across various industries. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Penn State alumni is around $57,000, while the average mid-career salary is approximately $101,000.
Hunter College Overview
Hunter College, established in 1870, is a public college located in New York City. It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and public service. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields.
Hunter College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Hunter College’s tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $7,382, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay around $15,332. Graduate students can expect to pay between $11,570 and $20,880, depending on their residency status.
Hunter College Admissions
Admission to Hunter College is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 36% in 2019. The college requires SAT or ACT scores, a high school transcript, and letters of recommendation for admission. Some programs may also require additional application materials, such as a portfolio or audition.
Hunter College Degrees Offered
Hunter College offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including liberal arts and sciences, education, health professions, and fine and performing arts. Some of the most popular majors at the college include psychology, biology, and English.
Hunter College Academics
Hunter College is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and research. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, ensuring close interaction between students and faculty. Furthermore, Hunter College’s location in New York City provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences.
Hunter College Diversity
Hunter College is a highly diverse institution, with a student body comprising various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In the fall of 2019, the undergraduate student body was 32% White, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 21% Asian, and 12% Black or African American. The college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity through various programs and initiatives.
Hunter College Students
Hunter College has a total enrollment of over 23,000 students, including approximately 17,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate students. The college offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events catering to various interests.
Hunter College Campus
The main campus of Hunter College is located in Manhattan, New York City, with additional campuses in the Bronx and Staten Island. The urban setting provides students with access to numerous cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities.
Hunter College Alumni
Hunter College boasts a strong alumni network, with notable alumni such as Elena Kagan, Vin Diesel, and Audre Lorde. The college offers various resources and services to support its alumni, including career support, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Hunter College Rankings
Hunter College is consistently ranked among the top public colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Hunter College was ranked 17th in Regional Universities North and 4th in Top Public Schools.
Hunter College Outcomes
Graduates from Hunter College enjoy successful careers across various industries. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Hunter College alumni is around $50,000, while the average mid-career salary is approximately $82,000.
Penn State University vs Hunter College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Penn State University and Hunter College, it is important to consider tuition, fees, and cost of living. For in-state students, Hunter College is significantly more affordable, with tuition and fees of $7,382, compared to $18,450 at Penn State University. For out-of-state students, the difference is even more pronounced, with tuition and fees of $15,332 at Hunter College and $35,514 at Penn State University.
However, it is essential to consider that the cost of living in New York City is notably higher than in University Park, Pennsylvania. Housing, transportation, and other living expenses may be more expensive for students attending Hunter College. Ultimately, students should consider both tuition costs and living expenses when deciding which institution is more financially feasible for them.
Penn State University vs Hunter College Admissions Difficulty
Both Penn State University and Hunter College have moderately competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 76% and 36% respectively. While both institutions require SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation, Hunter College has a lower acceptance rate, indicating a slightly more competitive admissions process.
However, it is important to remember that admissions requirements and competitiveness can vary based on the specific program or major to which a student is applying. Students should research their desired programs at both institutions to better understand their chances of admission.
Penn State University vs Hunter College Academic Difficulty
The academic difficulty for students at both Penn State University and Hunter College can vary based on the program, major, and individual student’s background. Both institutions are known for their strong commitment to academic excellence and research, and students can expect to be challenged in their coursework.
It is essential for students to research specific programs and majors at both institutions to gain a better understanding of the academic rigor and expectations in their chosen field.
Penn State University vs Hunter College Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes for graduates of Penn State University and Hunter College, it is important to consider factors such as salary, job placement, and graduate school opportunities. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Penn State alumni is around $57,000, while the average mid-career salary is approximately $101,000. For Hunter College alumni, the average early career salary is $50,000, while the average mid-career salary is about $82,000.
While these salary figures may suggest better outcomes for Penn State graduates, it is important to consider other factors, such as the cost of living in the respective locations and the specific industries in which alumni are employed. Additionally, students should research job placement rates and graduate school acceptance rates for their specific programs and majors at both institutions to better understand potential outcomes.
