Academic Comparison between UM-Ann Arbor and Penn State

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UM-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, 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.
  • 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 (1,470) than Penn State (1,310).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has higher submitted ACT score (33) 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

University of Michigan-Ann Arborvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Ann Arbor, 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$18,309
Out-Of-State$60,107
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
70%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$16,599Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
17.94 %Acceptance Rates54.22 %
47.49 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.40 %
1,470SAT Score1,310
33ACT Score29
93 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
97 %Retention Rate91 %
51,225Student Population50,028
6,678Number of Faculties2,994
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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 services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services