Penn State University vs University of Delaware Introduction
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, as each institution offers unique opportunities and experiences. This article compares Penn State University and the University of Delaware to help prospective students make an informed decision about their future. We will examine each school’s costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University (PSU) is a public research university located in State College, Pennsylvania. Established in 1855, the university boasts a rich history and a strong reputation for its academic programs and research initiatives. With over 46,000 students, PSU is one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 18 colleges.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Penn State University varies depending on the campus and the student’s residency. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students at the University Park campus can expect to pay approximately $18,450 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $35,514. Room and board costs average around $11,570 per year, bringing the total cost of attendance for in-state students to around $30,020 and for out-of-state students to around $47,084.
Penn State University Admissions
Admission to Penn State University is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 49%. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1160 and 1370, and ACT scores between 25 and 31. The university also considers extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community involvement in its admissions decisions.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers over 160 undergraduate degree programs, 170 graduate degree programs, and numerous professional and continuing education options. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences. The university is also well-known for its strong programs in Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Information Sciences and Technology.
Penn State University Academics
Academic excellence is a hallmark of Penn State University, which has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The university is classified as having very high research activity, with numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Penn State provides students with a rigorous and well-rounded education.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student body comprises 56% male and 44% female students, with 28% of students identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. Additionally, PSU has a number of programs and initiatives in place to support underrepresented and international students.
Penn State University Students
Penn State University has a vibrant and diverse student body, with over 46,000 students hailing from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, as well as opportunities for students to engage in community service and leadership development. With a strong athletics program and a long-standing tradition of school spirit, Penn State University provides a well-rounded college experience for its students.
Penn State University Campus
The Penn State University Park campus spans 8,556 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. With more than 1,000 clubs and organizations, students can easily find their niche on campus. The university also offers on-campus housing options and dining services to accommodate the needs of its diverse student population.
Penn State University Alumni
Penn State University has a strong alumni network, with over 700,000 living alumni worldwide. The Penn State Alumni Association provides resources and networking opportunities for graduates, helping them maintain connections with their alma mater and fellow alumni. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, astronaut Guion Bluford, and former NFL player Franco Harris.
Penn State University Rankings
Penn State University is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, PSU is ranked 63rd among national universities and 23rd among public institutions. The university is also recognized for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
Penn State University Outcomes
Graduates of Penn State University have a strong track record of success, with a 93% overall graduation rate. According to the university, 86% of undergraduate students find employment or enroll in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Penn State graduates is $50,600, with top earners in fields such as engineering and computer science.
University of Delaware Overview
The University of Delaware (UD) is a public research university located in Newark, Delaware. Founded in 1743, UD is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. The university has a strong reputation for its research initiatives and rigorous academic programs. With over 24,000 students, UD offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The university comprises seven colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
University of Delaware Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the University of Delaware varies based on the student’s residency. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students will pay approximately $14,660 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $35,710. Room and board costs average around $12,730 per year, bringing the total cost of attendance for in-state students to around $27,390 and for out-of-state students to around $48,440.
University of Delaware Admissions
Admission to the University of Delaware is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 66%. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1160 and 1350, and ACT scores between 25 and 30. Like Penn State, UD also considers extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community involvement in its admissions decisions.
University of Delaware Degrees Offered
The University of Delaware offers more than 150 undergraduate degree programs, over 120 graduate and professional programs, and numerous continuing education options. Popular majors at UD include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Education, and Social Sciences. The university is also known for its strong programs in Chemical Engineering, Marine Science, and Public Administration.
University of Delaware Academics
The University of Delaware is committed to academic excellence, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. Classified as having very high research activity, UD provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research across a range of disciplines. The university is also committed to experiential learning, with over 70% of students participating in internships, research, or study abroad programs.
University of Delaware Diversity
The University of Delaware is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body comprises 52% female and 48% male students, with 30% identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. UD offers a range of programs and resources to support underrepresented and international students.
University of Delaware Students
With more than 24,000 students, the University of Delaware offers a dynamic and diverse campus community. Students at UD can choose from over 300 clubs and organizations, as well as opportunities for community service and leadership development. The university also has a strong athletics program, with 21 NCAA Division I sports teams.
University of Delaware Campus
The University of Delaware’s main campus in Newark encompasses 2,311 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. UD provides on-campus housing options and dining services to accommodate the needs of its diverse student population. With a wide range of clubs, organizations, and recreational facilities, students can easily find their niche on campus.
University of Delaware Alumni
The University of Delaware has a strong alumni network, with over 180,000 living alumni worldwide. The UD Alumni Association provides resources and networking opportunities for graduates, helping them maintain connections with their alma mater and fellow alumni. Notable alumni include former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, former First Lady Jill Biden, and Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski.
University of Delaware Rankings
The University of Delaware is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UD is ranked 97th among national universities and 38th among public institutions. The university is also recognized for its strong engineering, business, and education programs.
University of Delaware Outcomes
Graduates of the University of Delaware have a strong track record of success, with a 6-year graduation rate of 81%. According to the university, 91% of undergraduate students find employment or enroll in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UD graduates is $52,500, with top earners in fields such as engineering and computer science.
Penn State University vs University of Delaware Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Penn State University (PSU) and the University of Delaware (UD), it is important to consider both tuition and living expenses. For in-state students, PSU has a higher tuition cost, with tuition and fees totaling around $18,450 compared to UD’s $14,660. However, the cost of living at Penn State is lower, with room and board totaling around $11,570 compared to UD’s $12,730. This brings the total cost of attendance for in-state students to around $30,020 at PSU and $27,390 at UD.
For out-of-state students, the difference in tuition is smaller, with PSU at $35,514 and UD at $35,710. The total cost of attendance for out-of-state students at PSU is around $47,084, while the total cost at UD is around $48,440. In both cases, the University of Delaware is slightly more expensive for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Penn State University vs University of Delaware Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Penn State University are more competitive than at the University of Delaware. PSU has an acceptance rate of around 49%, while UD has an acceptance rate of approximately 66%. Both universities consider academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements in their admissions decisions. There is a slight overlap in the middle 50% SAT scores and ACT scores for admitted students, but overall, Penn State University has a more selective admissions process.
Penn State University vs University of Delaware Academic Difficulty
Both Penn State University and the University of Delaware provide rigorous academic programs and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. The universities have similar student-to-faculty ratios (14:1 at PSU and 15:1 at UD), which allows for small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. Both institutions are classified as having very high research activity, which means students can engage in cutting-edge research across a variety of disciplines. The level of academic difficulty at both universities is high, but the specific challenges will vary depending on the chosen major and individual student’s abilities.
Penn State University vs University of Delaware Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Penn State University and the University of Delaware have strong outcomes in terms of employment and further education. Penn State has a slightly higher overall graduation rate (93%) compared to UD (81%). The percentage of students finding employment or enrolling in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation is also higher at PSU (86%) than at UD (91%). The average starting salary for graduates from both universities is similar, with PSU at $50,600 and UD at $52,500.
In conclusion, both Penn State University and the University of Delaware offer strong academic programs, research opportunities, and post-graduation outcomes. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as cost, location, campus life, and available majors when deciding which university is the best fit for their needs and goals.
