Academic Comparison between Penn State and MSU

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

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 (1,310) than MSU (1,250).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (29) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Michigan State University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
56%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,980
54.22 %Acceptance Rates83.92 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.29 %
1,310SAT Score1,250
29ACT Score28
83 %Graduation Rate81 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate10 %
91 %Retention Rate89 %
50,028Student Population50,023
2,994Number of Faculties2,996
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services