College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Ann Arbor, MI
Total Enrollment
50,737
52,855
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
34,454
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
15.6%
Average GPA
3.87
3.90
SAT Range
1240–1420
1360–1530
ACT Range
27–32
31–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$75
Total Applicants
88,478
98,310
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$32,782
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$19,005
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$17,454
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$56,941
Room & Board
$15,044
$15,328
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
59.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$25,099
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
83.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$83,648
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $19,005 at Michigan-Ann Arbor. Michigan-Ann Arbor is $8,445 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Michigan-Ann Arbor, the typical SAT range is 1360-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Michigan-Ann Arbor has a graduation rate of 94%. Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Michigan-Ann Arbor has a ratio of 11:1. Michigan-Ann Arbor offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At Michigan-Ann Arbor, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,099.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $83,648 for Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates. Graduates from Michigan-Ann Arbor tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. Michigan-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI in a city: midsize setting.