’ve been accepted to both for undergraduate physics programs, and I want to focus on astrophysics and astronomy in the near future. Undergraduate research is really important to how I value an opportunity.
From what I can tell, PennState’s physics program and the opportunities for astrophysics/astronomy and undergraduate research are better, but Arizona is offering me scholarships that bring the total cost down to <$16,000 per year. I haven’t heard back from PennState about any financial aid or scholarships, and without any it would be >$45,000 per year.
I’m going to pursue contacting an advisor and completing my PennState account to see if some aid/scholarships are available, but how much better is PennState? If I got the cost down to $30,000, would it be worth the extra $14,000 compared to Arizona?
In terms of courses, physics depts across the country are pretty standardized. Most use the same few textbooks. Both universities you listed are large state research Us, so the core course requirements, frequency of courses, and available course sections should be good.
For grad school admissions, you are going to want to have a high GPA (your grades will matter), UG research, high PGRE score, and excellent LOR. Where you go is far less important than what you do while you are there.
Definitely seek out opportunities for UG research shortly after you arrive on campus. Have you spoken to either dept about UG research opportunities? What research current UGs are participating in? Where recent UGs have gone after graduating? Different depts have different cultures. Understanding that culture and how they view their UGs might make a difference. But, as long as they are encouraging toward UGs participating in research, either should be fine.
Apply to REUs for sophomore and Jr summers. REUs will offer exposure to different campuses and different types of research.
Fwiw, my ds attended a typical state U (not a top ranked school) and doubled in physics and math. He loves research and spent about 18 hrs per week on on-campus research. He is now in grad school for theoretical cosmology. He loves it. Exciting stuff. Good luck to you!
Is there debt? If so, go for less debt. The differences between those 2 programs will make so much less of a difference to your life than having no/less debt. Future you will be more grateful than you can know.
If there is no debt / no diff, spend some time looking at the research that the 2 departments are doing, to see if one is more interesting to you than the other.
If you can cover it I’d go with Penn state larger research university (800 million spent last year)… Arizona seems to be giving out scholarships to even international students… seems they are having issues filling their incoming class… it really depends on your ability to pay and not take on debt
@airway1 Are you familiar with their physics dept? Their UG research opportunities? If you know something negative about the dept, that would be valuable insight.
Just bc they give out scholarships even to international students does not mean a thing. My ds went to Bama on full scholarship. Bama is known, just like AZ, for giving out scholarships to top students, including international students. It did not in any way negatively impact him or his grad school options.
“Where you go is not who you will be.” It really is about what you do where you land.
As a PA resident with 3 kids, I would not allow any to apply to Penn State. The cost, even for us IS was not worth opportunities at other schools with scholarship offers.
I don’t know about Physics, but I know in other programs, many we know could not get into classes. Is AZ offering you priority registration?
Do you have honors college at UArizona?
Arizona is very well known for physics and astrophysics. That’s what I’d pick.
(Do t expect any scholarships from Penn State, they hardly give out any)
Just a gut feeling that the weather in Az would offer great night sky viewing. What observatories would you have access to as a student?
Kitt Peak is only about an hr from UA. 
Astronomy Camp is based out of UA. I’d forgotten that in my earlier responses. Ds attended that camp and loved it.
That dept is definitely a good option.!