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.
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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
83.92 %Acceptance Rates54.22 %
19.29 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.40 %
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