College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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
Minneapolis, MN
Total Enrollment
50,737
56,666
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
41,303
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
17:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
79.8%
Average GPA
3.87
4.00
SAT Range
1240–1420
1300–1500
ACT Range
27–32
26–31
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$55
Total Applicants
88,478
41,496
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$28,012
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$16,730
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$14,006
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$33,246
Room & Board
$15,044
$14,006
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
65.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$12,552
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
84.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
74.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
91.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$69,020
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Minnesota-Twin Cities is in Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $16,730 at Minnesota-Twin Cities. Minnesota-Twin Cities is $10,720 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities, the typical SAT range is 1300-1500. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Minnesota-Twin Cities has a graduation rate of 84%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities has a ratio of 17:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities, 65% of students receive aid with an average grant of $12,552.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $69,020 for Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates. Graduates from Minnesota-Twin Cities 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. Minnesota-Twin Cities is located in Minneapolis, MN in a city: large setting.

