Choosing between universities can be a daunting task. To help you in your decision-making process, we are comparing two popular schools: Penn State University and the University at Buffalo. We’ll go through an in-depth analysis of various aspects, including costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni networks, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you will have a clear understanding of the differences between these two schools and can make an informed decision about which one might be the best fit for you.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University, formally known as The Pennsylvania State University, is a public research university founded in 1855. Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, it is one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 46,000 undergraduate students and a total enrollment of over 95,000 students across all campuses. Penn State offers more than 160 majors, with strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture.
Penn State Costs & Tuition
Tuition costs at Penn State vary depending on the student’s residency status and the campus they attend. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for in-state students at the University Park campus was $18,450, while out-of-state students paid $35,514. Additional costs such as housing, meal plans, and fees can push the total annual cost to around $30,000 for in-state students and nearly $50,000 for out-of-state students.
Penn State Admissions
Admissions at Penn State are considered to be moderately competitive. In 2020, the acceptance rate for the University Park campus was 49%. The middle 50% of incoming freshmen had high school GPAs between 3.55 and 3.97, and SAT scores between 1160 and 1360. The university uses a rolling admissions process, with a priority deadline of November 30th for those who would like to be considered for merit scholarships and the Schreyer Honors College.
Penn State Degrees Offered
Penn State offers a diverse range of degrees, with more than 160 majors available across 14 colleges. Some of the most popular majors at the university include business, engineering, agriculture, health professions, and social sciences. The university is also home to the Schreyer Honors College, which offers an enhanced academic experience for high-achieving students.
Penn State Academics
Penn State is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, business, and agriculture. The university has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention from professors. Additionally, Penn State has a strong commitment to undergraduate research, with numerous opportunities for students to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects.
Penn State Diversity
Penn State has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, offering numerous resources and support services for underrepresented students, including the Multicultural Resource Center and various cultural organizations.
Penn State Students
Penn State boasts a vibrant student life, with over 1,000 student organizations and clubs, including sports clubs, performing arts groups, and academic societies. The university is also home to a strong Greek life community, with over 80 fraternities and sororities on campus.
Penn State Campus
The University Park campus, which serves as the main campus of Penn State, spans 7,958 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus is home to numerous facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational spaces. Additionally, Penn State has 23 other campuses throughout Pennsylvania, offering students a variety of learning environments and experiences.
Penn State Alumni
Penn State has a strong alumni network, with over 700,000 living alumni worldwide. The Penn State Alumni Association is one of the largest and most active in the country, offering networking events, career services, and other resources to help graduates stay connected and engaged with the university.
Penn State Rankings
Penn State consistently ranks among the top public universities in the country. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university was ranked #63 among national universities and #23 among public schools. The College of Engineering, which is Penn State’s largest college, was ranked #25 in the nation.
Penn State Outcomes
Graduates of Penn State enjoy strong outcomes, with a 94% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for recent graduates is $51,000, and the university is ranked #40 in the nation for salary potential by PayScale.
University at Buffalo Overview
The University at Buffalo, also known as SUNY Buffalo or UB, is a public research university and a flagship institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Founded in 1846, the university has a rich history and is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the SUNY system. With over 21,000 undergraduate students, UB offers more than 140 undergraduate degree programs, with notable strengths in engineering, business, and health sciences.
University at Buffalo Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University at Buffalo is more affordable than many other universities, particularly for in-state students. In the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for in-state students was $10,170, while out-of-state students paid $28,750. When factoring in additional costs such as housing, meal plans, and fees, the total annual cost comes to around $26,000 for in-state students and $44,000 for out-of-state students.
University at Buffalo Admissions
Admissions at the University at Buffalo are considered to be moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 61% in 2020. The middle 50% of incoming freshmen had high school GPAs between 88 and 94, and SAT scores between 1170 and 1340. UB has a rolling admissions process, with a priority deadline of December 15th for those who would like to be considered for merit scholarships and honors programs.
University at Buffalo Degrees Offered
The University at Buffalo offers a wide array of undergraduate degree programs across its 12 schools and colleges. Some of the most popular majors at UB include engineering, business, health professions, social sciences, and visual and performing arts. The university also offers the University Honors College, which provides an enriched academic experience for high-achieving students.
University at Buffalo Academics
UB has a strong reputation for academic excellence, particularly in its engineering, business, and health sciences programs. The university has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention from professors. UB is also committed to providing hands-on learning experiences, with numerous undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities available.
University at Buffalo Diversity
The University at Buffalo prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, with students representing over 100 countries and all 50 states. The university offers a variety of resources and support services for underrepresented students, including the Intercultural & Diversity Center and the Educational Opportunity Program.
University at Buffalo Students
Student life at UB is vibrant and engaging, with over 600 student organizations and clubs to choose from, covering a wide range of interests including sports, arts, and academics. Greek life is also a significant part of campus culture, with more than 35 fraternities and sororities available.
University at Buffalo Campus
UB’s campus is divided into three main sections: North Campus, South Campus, and Downtown Campus. The North Campus, located in suburban Amherst, is the largest and features modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. The South Campus, located in Buffalo, boasts a historic, urban setting, while the Downtown Campus focuses on the university’s health science programs.
University at Buffalo Alumni
The University at Buffalo has a large and active alumni network, with more than 270,000 living alumni worldwide. The UB Alumni Association offers a variety of services and resources, including networking events, career assistance, and opportunities to stay connected with the university.
University at Buffalo Rankings
UB is consistently ranked among the best public universities in the nation. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university was ranked #93 among national universities and #41 among public schools. Additionally, UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences was ranked #63 in the nation.
University at Buffalo Outcomes
Graduates of the University at Buffalo enjoy strong outcomes, with a 94% job or continuing education placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UB graduates is $49,000, and the university is ranked #77 in the nation for salary potential by PayScale.
Penn State University vs University at Buffalo Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Penn State University and the University at Buffalo, there are significant differences, particularly for in-state students. In-state students at UB can expect to pay around $26,000 per year, including tuition, housing, and fees, while Penn State in-state students will pay approximately $30,000 per year. For out-of-state students, the total annual cost is nearly $50,000 at Penn State and $44,000 at UB. Therefore, the University at Buffalo is generally more affordable, especially for New York residents.
Penn State University vs University at Buffalo Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Penn State University and the University at Buffalo are considered to be moderately competitive, with acceptance rates of 49% and 61%, respectively. While both schools attract high-achieving students, the middle 50% of admitted students’ GPA and SAT scores are slightly higher at Penn State. However, the difference is not substantial, and both schools offer opportunities for high-achieving students through their honors programs.
Penn State University vs University at Buffalo Academic Difficulty
While both Penn State and UB have rigorous academic programs in various disciplines, Penn State is generally considered to have a slightly more challenging academic environment. The university’s strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture are often ranked higher than their counterparts at UB. However, UB’s engineering and business programs are also well-regarded, and both schools offer numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and hands-on learning experiences.
Penn State University vs University at Buffalo Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Penn State and the University at Buffalo enjoy strong outcomes, with job placement rates of 94% within six months of graduation for both schools. The average starting salary for Penn State graduates is slightly higher, at $51,000 compared to UB’s $49,000. Additionally, Penn State is ranked higher for salary potential by PayScale. However, given the lower cost of attendance at UB, particularly for in-state students, the return on investment may be higher for some students at the University at Buffalo.
