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Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

38 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

22
Ohio Wins
6
Tied / N/A
10
Pennsylvania Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Mid-Atlantic
45,638
Enrollment
42,284
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1387
SAT Average
1337
29
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1310-1480
SAT Range
1240-1420

Cost & Financial Aid

$13,244
In-State Tuition
$20,644
$40,022
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
$17,339
Average Net Price
$32,875
$4,885
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,845
$5,751
Net Price ($30-48K)
$20,049
$9,807
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,667
$27,359
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,831
20%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
29%
Federal Loan Rate
40%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
86%
94%
Retention Rate
93%
63%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$14,386
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,120
26%
First-Gen Students
29%

Student Body

52%
Female
50%
60%
White
63%
6%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
5%
11%
Asian
8%
0.61
Diversity Index
0.58

Outcomes

$51,438
Earnings (6yr)
$55,620
$56,186
Earnings (8yr)
$60,370
$60,409
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$19,976
Median Debt
$25,000
0.33x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
72%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Capital

1.57
Economic Connectedness
1.71
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
8.5%
Volunteering Rate
6.0%

The Overviews

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public

61% accept 88% grad $60,409 earnings $17,339 net

With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.

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