Penn vs Iowa state — 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 (#14 vs #501-600). 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 Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 | Penn | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 23,095 |
| International students | 24% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Penn or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Iowa state?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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