Academic Comparison between MSU and Penn State

Michigan State University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, 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.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than MSU.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
East Lansing, 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$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
80%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
84.80 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,260SAT Score1,330
28ACT Score30
81 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
90 %Retention Rate93 %
52,089Student Population50,737
3,013Number of Faculties4,174
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare