Academic Comparison between Penn State and UM-Ann Arbor

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 UM-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, 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.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more expensive tuition & fees ($60,107) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to UM-Ann Arbor than Penn State.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more students with 51,225 students while Penn State has 50,028 students.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more full-time faculties with 6,678 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.University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationAnn Arbor, 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$18,309
Out-Of-State$60,107
56%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$16,599
54.00 %Acceptance Rates18.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)47.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,470
29ACT Score33
83 %Graduation Rate93 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate97 %
50,028Student Population51,225
2,994Number of Faculties6,678
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare