Academic Comparison between Penn State and UMD

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Maryland-College Park 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 UMD is located in College Park, MD.

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

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Maryland-College Park
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationCollege Park, Maryland
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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,809
Out-Of-State$41,186
50%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,172
60.56 %Acceptance Rates44.79 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.63 %
1,330SAT Score1,465
30ACT Score34
86 %Graduation Rate89 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate96 %
50,737Student Population41,725
4,174Number of Faculties1,967
16 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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services