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.

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.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,790) than UMD ($41,186).
  • It is harder to admit to UMD than Penn State.
  • UMD has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Penn State (1,330).
  • UMD has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State (30).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while UMD has 41,725 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UMD's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UMD has 1,967 full-time faculties.
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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