College Comparison
Michigan State University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
University Park, PA
Total Enrollment
52,089
50,737
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
42,604
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
16:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FBS
—
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
60.6%
Average GPA
3.8
3.87
SAT Range
1180–1360
1240–1420
ACT Range
25–31
27–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$65
Total Applicants
62,138
88,478
Academics & Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
3,061
3,858
Women Faculty
47%
43%
Research Spending
$859M
$909M
Offers Online Degree
Yes
No
Student Body
Women
53%
48%
Men
47%
52%
White
64%
58%
Black / African American
6%
5%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
9%
Asian
8%
7%
International
8%
15%
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$34,330
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,240
$41,338
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$27,450
In-State Tuition
$16,437
$19,286
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,427
$38,102
Room and Board
$12,564
$15,044
Percent Receiving Aid
88.0%
37.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$11,336
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate
66.0%
71.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
84.0%
86.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
85.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
75.8%
73.1%
10 Year Median Earnings
$67,253
$63,435
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
University Park, PA
Total Enrollment
52,089
50,737
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
42,604
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
16:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FBS
—
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
60.6%
Average GPA
3.8
3.87
SAT Range
1180–1360
1240–1420
ACT Range
25–31
27–32
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$65
Total Applicants
62,138
88,478
Full-Time Faculty
3,061
3,858
Women Faculty
47%
43%
Research Spending
$859M
$909M
Offers Online Degree
Yes
No
Women
53%
48%
Men
47%
52%
White
64%
58%
Black / African American
6%
5%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
9%
Asian
8%
7%
International
8%
15%
Sticker Price
$29,001
$34,330
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,240
$41,338
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$27,450
In-State Tuition
$16,437
$19,286
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,427
$38,102
Room and Board
$12,564
$15,044
Percent Receiving Aid
88.0%
37.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$11,336
4-Year Graduation Rate
66.0%
71.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
84.0%
86.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
85.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
75.8%
73.1%
10 Year Median Earnings
$67,253
$63,435
Your college list
College Application Planner for Michigan State University + Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%, while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. This means Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is more selective than Michigan State University.
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