Academic Comparison between UMD and Penn State

University of Maryland-College Park and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UMD is located in College Park, MD 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.
  • 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 (1,465) than Penn State (1,330).
  • UMD has higher submitted ACT score (34) 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

University of Maryland-College Parkvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
College Park, MarylandLocationUniversity 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$11,809
Out-Of-State$41,186
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
53%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$13,172Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
44.79 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
21.63 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,465SAT Score1,330
34ACT Score30
89 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
96 %Retention Rate93 %
41,725Student Population50,737
1,967Number of Faculties4,174
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial 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