The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two prestigious universities: The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Both institutions offer a world-class education, but they also possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. As you embark on this side-by-side comparison, you'll discover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the acceptance rates, delve into the popular majors, understand the student body demographics, and compare the graduation rates. This comprehensive analysis will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your academic aspirations and personal growth.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Trimester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 87.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 20.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
|
SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | N/A |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 79,743 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 16,071 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 7,290 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 45.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$38,270
Out of state:
$55,848
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In state:
$32,272
Out of state:
$69,326
|
Average net price | $24,012 | $19,205 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
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In state:
$15,850
Out of state:
$52,904
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
|
$12,592 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
51.0%
Average amount $9,884 |
59.0%
Average amount $16,326 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
24.0%
Average amount $5,311 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
3.0%
Average amount $21,796 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
32,282
Men 48.8% Women 51.2% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
17,996
Men 49.4% Women 50.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 34.1% | N/A |
International students | 10.5% | 15.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 11,629 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 93.7% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 5.7% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Associate's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
Nuclear Engineering (Master's Degrees)
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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
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