The University of Oregon (UO), based in Eugene, Oregon, is a public research university with approximately 23,000 students. It is renowned for its robust Business, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Psychology, and Sports Science programs. The admissions are fairly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 85.1%. The graduation rate is roughly 74%, and UO alumni receive average initial salaries of USD $47,000–52,000 (INR 39–44 lakhs) per year.
The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), which has its headquarters at University Park campus in State College, with a system-wide enrollment of more than 88,000 students and approximately 47,000 at University Park. Penn State is famous for its schools in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Health Sciences. Its admissions are competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 54%. The graduate rate is around 87%, and Penn State graduates get average starting salary of USD $55,000–60,000 (INR 46–50 lakhs) per year.
| University of Oregon | Pennsylvania State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.9 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 751 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 82 QS World University 2026 # 108 Times Higher Education 2026 # 57 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 259 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 # 551 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 78 for Law by US News 2024 | # 31 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 118 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -56 PG Programs -15 | UG Programs -163 PG Programs -116 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.1 % | 54.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1080 TOEFL-61 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1160 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 47925 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 23635 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 35984 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 38198 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 26664 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 80% of the MBA graduates get hired within 3 months after graduation. 91% of accounting students get hired within 3 months of graduation. Some programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA $135,000 Bachelor of Arts $75,000 Bachelor of Science $73,000 | PhD: $150,0000- $158,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit LORs Submit personal statement Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements | Submit Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) along with application, SAT/ACT scores are also accepted as language proficiency proof. You may have to fulfill additional requriements as per the program. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 9.2/10 Read 1 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 18 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 88 for Business by US News 2025 # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 68 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 92 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 130/160GMAT - 610/800IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | GMAT - 660/800IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -47940 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 15, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Jan 9, 2026 (Round 1 Decision Date For Fall 2026 Intake) Feb 14, 2026 (Endowed Scholarships Deadline) Mar 1, 2026 (Global Corners Award Deadline) Mar 15, 2026 (Regular Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) May 1, 2026 (Regular Decision Date For Fall 2026 Intake) Jul 24, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Jul 31, 2026 (Final Decision Date For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jun 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Oregon | Pennsylvania State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1876 | 1855 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 15:1 |
| Male:Female | 46% Male, 54% Female | 65% Male, 35% Female |
| Location Facts | The campus of the University of Oregon is located in Eugene, Oregon and includes some 80 buildings and facilities. | It has 24 campuses located throughout the state allowing students to explore the city while learning. University Park area is situated in located in State College and College township is located in Center Country. |
| Library | The multi-branch University of Oregon Libraries serves the campus with library collections, instruction and reference, and a wide variety of educational technology and media services. The UO is Oregon's only member of the Association of Research Libraries. The main branch, the Knight Library, houses humanities and social sciences, Learning Commons, Music Services, Government Publications, Maps and Aerial Photos, Special Collections & University Archives, Media Services, the Center for Educational Technologies, and a Cinema Studies lab to be available in Winter 2010. | Titles held: 7,240,616 |
| Campus Life | On-campus living is more than just good food and convenience. You’re living with people from all over the world who are students at the UO, just like you. Join an Academic Residential Communities, study in the lounge or explore campus together, enjoy a meal with your roommate, and make the most out of your on-campus experience. The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is the heart of campus. It’s your place to study, eat, come together as a community, or simply relax. The EMU is also home to 250+ student groups, diverse cultural events, and everything else that makes the UO such a vibrant campus. Opportunity for involvement is limitless. The 250+ student groups on campus offer a variety of experiences for you to add to your college experience. Whether you're interested in music, dance, theatre, politics, or the environment, there are opportunities for you to get involved and connect with other students on campus. | Engage in varsity athletics, 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, intramural clubs, Center for Spiritual and ethical development, LGBTQ resource center. |
| Hostel | #On campus - $11450 #Off campus (with family) - $2349 #Off campus (not with family) - $9836 | #On campus - $11280 #Off campus (not with family) - $11280 #Off campus (with family) - $4104 |
| Famous Alumni | Sam Adams, first openly gay Mayor of Portland Lee Bollinger, President of Columbia University and former President of the University of Michigan Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Representative from Oregon's 1st district Kaitlin Olson, actress Bill Bowerman, Track and Field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc. | Saquon Barkley (American Footballer), Adam Huber (Actor), Jerry Sandusky (football coach- America), Dan Bongino (American commentator), Safaa Al- Hashim (politician), Bo Nickal (Freestyle Wrestler). Alumni are famously called Nittany Lions. |
| City Life | Eugene, Oregon, is a diverse and eclectic city located in the southern end of the Willamette Valley between two buttes and the scenic Willamette River. Framed by rolling wine country, agricultural lands, and lush green forests, Eugene offers easy access to stunning natural beauty as well as endless outdoor adventures. Eugene integrates the surrounding natural environment through extensive parks and path systems—no matter where you are in the city, you are surrounded by the dynamic beauty of the great Northwest. With a strong counter-culture heritage stemming from the 1960s, Eugene has long been an epicenter of green, sustainable lifestyles and values. Eugene is a quintessential college town that frequently turns up on lists of the best places to live, as well as lists of green and bicycle-friendly cities. The cost of living in Eugene compares favorably to many schools in larger cities. Whether on campus or off, you'll find a community that embraces students seeking everything from arts and nightlife to sporting events and family-friendly recreation. | State College, Pennsylvania is the largest borough area. Downtown Improvement District and University Park are two major sections in State College. The neighborhood has Orchard Parks, West End, College Heights, South State College, and more. Penn State University is the largest employer followed by Mount Nittany Medical Center. You can enjoy art fests, dance night marathons, and more. |
| Weather |
University of Oregon vs Pennsylvania State University
Topic Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Oregon (UO) is ranked lower internationally than Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). With excellent programs in engineering, business, agriculture, earth sciences, and education, Penn State is ranked roughly 82nd in QS 2026. According to QS 2026, the University of Oregon is ranked between 751 and 760, with recognized strengths in journalism, business, education, environmental studies, and the arts and humanities.
General Information
With approximately 90,000 students across its campuses, including about 47,000 on the main University Park campus, Penn State is a comprehensive public research university that was founded in State College, Pennsylvania, in 1855. With about 22,000 students, the University of Oregon is a public research university that was founded in Eugene, Oregon, in 1876. It offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on research in a small campus setting.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The acceptance rate at Penn State is moderate (about 54%) and the programs in business, engineering, and health sciences are more competitive. The University of Oregon is less selective despite having a higher acceptance rate (about 85.1%), even though its Honors College and highly competitive majors like journalism and business are more competitive.
Research Impact & Facilities
Penn State is a Carnegie R1 research institution, with international recognition in engineering, agriculture, earth sciences, materials, and applied sciences backed by large-scale labs, research centers, and federal funding. UO is also research-active in areas such as environmental studies, psychology, education, and the humanities, with such notable facilities as the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.
Cost & Financial Aid
Penn State has ~$20,000 in-state and ~$39,000 out-of-state per year, whereas UO has approximately ~$15,000 in-state and ~$36,000 out-of-state per year. They both offer merit-based scholarships, need-based assistance, and graduate assistantships. UO can be a bit cheaper, particularly for in-state students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Penn State boasts the largest alumni network in the U.S., with robust recruitment pipelines in business, engineering, and applied sciences, and high employability ratings. UO graduates excel in journalism, communications, education, arts, and environmental professions, with substantial regional impact and increasing national recognition.
