Academic Comparison between Penn State and UM-Ann Arbor

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 UM-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, 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.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more expensive tuition & fees ($63,081) than Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to UM-Ann Arbor than Penn State.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Penn State (1,330).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State (30).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more students with 52,855 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more full-time faculties with 7,096 faculties while Penn State has 4,174 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationAnn Arbor, 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$18,848
Out-Of-State$63,081
50%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,050
60.56 %Acceptance Rates15.64 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)47.34 %
1,330SAT Score1,460
30ACT Score33
86 %Graduation Rate93 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate97 %
50,737Student Population52,855
4,174Number of Faculties7,096
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare