Academic Comparison between Penn State and MSU

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Michigan State University 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 MSU is located in East Lansing, 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.
  • 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 (1,330) than MSU (1,260).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (30) 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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Michigan State University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationEast Lansing, 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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
50%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
60.56 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,330SAT Score1,260
30ACT Score28
86 %Graduation Rate81 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate90 %
50,737Student Population52,089
4,174Number of Faculties3,013
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, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services