Academic Comparison between MSU and Penn State

Michigan State University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,040) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than MSU.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than MSU (1,250).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while MSU has 50,023 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
MSU Penn State
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
East Lansing, MichiganLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
69%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
84.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,310
28ACT Score29
81 %Graduation Rate83 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
89 %Retention Rate91 %
50,023Student Population50,028
2,996Number of Faculties2,994
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services