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.

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

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$18,848
Out-Of-State$63,081
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
54%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$25,050Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
15.64 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
47.34 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,460SAT Score1,330
33ACT Score30
93 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
97 %Retention Rate93 %
52,855Student Population50,737
7,096Number of Faculties4,174
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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, On-campus daycare