Iowa state vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,686 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1204).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $63K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 65,236 |
| International students | 8% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Iowa state or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Penn?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $70,971 at Penn.
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