Penn State University vs NC State University Introduction
This article will provide an in-depth comparison of two renowned institutions: Penn State University and NC State University. We will examine various aspects of each university, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the key differences and similarities between these two educational establishments.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University, founded in 1855, is a public research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 100,000 students enrolled across its 24 campuses. Penn State offers more than 160 majors and boasts a rich history of academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at Penn State University are $18,450, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $35,514. Additionally, students should consider expenses such as housing, meal plans, textbooks, and other personal expenses, which can bring the total estimated cost of attendance to $31,484 for in-state students and $48,548 for out-of-state students.
Penn State University Admissions
Admissions at Penn State University are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 56%. Their middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1160-1370, and their middle 50% ACT score range is 25-32. Prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement or essay.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including over 160 majors across various fields of study. Some of their most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Communications, and Social Sciences.
Penn State University Academics
Penn State is well-known for its commitment to research and academic excellence. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. The university also offers numerous resources for academic support, including tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. As of Fall 2020, the racial and ethnic composition of the student body includes 66% White, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Black or African American, 5% Asian, and 16% others or unknown. The university also has numerous organizations and programs dedicated to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Penn State University Students
Penn State has a vibrant student life, with more than 1,000 student organizations, clubs, and sports teams. The university is also a member of the Big Ten Athletic Conference, with its athletic teams, the Nittany Lions, competing in various sports. Students at Penn State have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service.
Penn State University Campus
The main campus of Penn State University, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, spans over 8,556 acres and offers various facilities and resources for students, including libraries, research centers, recreational facilities, and housing options. The university also operates 23 additional campuses throughout the state of Pennsylvania, providing a wide range of locations for students to choose from.
Penn State University Alumni
Penn State University has a vast alumni network of over 700,000 living members. The university’s alumni association provides resources, networking opportunities, and events for graduates. Notable alumni of Penn State include author John Updike, former NFL player Franco Harris, and former CEO of Merck & Co., Kenneth Frazier.
Penn State University Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State University ranks #63 in National Universities and #23 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university has several programs ranked highly within their respective fields, such as Engineering, Business, and Education.
Penn State University Outcomes
Graduates of Penn State University have a strong track record of success in terms of employment and further education. The university boasts a 93% first-year retention rate and an 85% six-year graduation rate. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Penn State graduates is $57,100, and the average mid-career salary is $104,100.
NC State University Overview
North Carolina State University, commonly referred to as NC State, is a public research university founded in 1887 and located in Raleigh, North Carolina. With over 36,000 students, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina and offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study.
NC State University Costs & Tuition
The estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at NC State University for the 2021-2022 academic year are $9,101, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $29,220. Including housing, meal plans, and additional expenses, the total estimated cost of attendance for in-state students is $25,038, and for out-of-state students, it is $45,157.
NC State University Admissions
Admissions at NC State University are considered selective, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1270-1390, and the middle 50% ACT score range is 27-32. To apply, prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement or essay.
NC State University Degrees Offered
NC State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with more than 300 options across multiple fields of study. Some of their most popular majors include Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, and Communication.
NC State University Academics
NC State has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The university provides numerous resources for academic support, such as tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising. In addition, NC State is part of the Research Triangle, a hub for research and technology in North Carolina, which provides students with valuable research and internship opportunities.
NC State University Diversity
NC State University is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. As of Fall 2020, the racial and ethnic composition of the student body includes 64% White, 13% Hispanic/Latino, 7% Black or African American, 7% Asian, and 9% others or unknown. The university offers various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
NC State University Students
Students at NC State can participate in over 700 student organizations, clubs, and sports teams. The university is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, with its athletic teams, the Wolfpack, competing in various sports. NC State also emphasizes community engagement, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved in community service and leadership programs.
NC State University Campus
The NC State University campus spans over 2,110 acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering various facilities and resources to support student success, such as libraries, research centers, recreational facilities, and housing options. The university’s location in Raleigh provides students with access to a thriving metropolitan area, rich in culture, entertainment, and job opportunities.
NC State University Alumni
NC State University has a strong alumni network, with over 260,000 living members. The university’s alumni association provides resources, networking opportunities, and events for graduates. Notable alumni of NC State include former NFL player Philip Rivers, SAS Institute founder James Goodnight, and astronaut Christina Koch.
NC State University Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NC State University ranks #76 in National Universities and #27 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university has several programs that rank highly within their respective fields, such as Engineering, Business, and Education.
NC State University Outcomes
Graduates of NC State University have a strong track record of success in terms of employment and further education. The university boasts a 94% first-year retention rate and an 81% six-year graduation rate. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for NC State graduates is $55,200, and the average mid-career salary is $101,300.
Penn State vs NC State Cost Comparison
When it comes to costs and tuition, there is a notable difference between Penn State University and NC State University. For in-state students, Penn State’s estimated cost of attendance is $31,484, while NC State’s is significantly lower at $25,038. For out-of-state students, Penn State’s estimated cost is $48,548, compared to NC State’s $45,157. Keep in mind that these costs include tuition, fees, housing, and additional expenses.
Penn State vs NC State Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both universities are competitive, with NC State having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 47%, compared to Penn State’s 56% acceptance rate. Additionally, NC State’s middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges are slightly higher than those at Penn State. Both universities require similar application materials, including official transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements or essays.
Penn State vs NC State Academic Difficulty
Both Penn State University and NC State University are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to research. The student-to-faculty ratio is the same at both institutions, at 14:1. Penn State offers over 160 majors, while NC State offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Each university has a number of highly-ranked programs, particularly in fields like Engineering, Business, and Education.
Penn State vs NC State Outcome Comparison
In terms of student outcomes, both universities have similar first-year retention rates, with Penn State at 93% and NC State at 94%. Penn State has a slightly higher six-year graduation rate at 85%, compared to NC State’s 81%. When looking at salary data, Penn State graduates have a slightly higher average early career salary of $57,100, compared to NC State graduates’ $55,200. However, the difference in average mid-career salary is less significant, with Penn State graduates earning $104,100 and NC State graduates earning $101,300.
