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.
The Pennsylvania State University logo

The Pennsylvania State University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor logo

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Overview

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%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $38,270

Out of state: $55,848
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
In state: $15,850

Out of state: $52,904
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,360

Meal plan: $5,618
$12,592
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

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

Students and Campus

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
Low
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

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Health Professions
  • Social Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

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)
  • Year 1: $109,295
  • Year 2: $120,549
  • Year 3: $125,527
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,798
  • Year 2: $95,930
  • Year 3: $120,289
Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,190
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $113,544
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $98,403
  • Year 3: $108,754
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,372
  • Year 2: $100,455
  • Year 3: $107,874
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,574
  • Year 2: $99,291
  • Year 3: $104,370
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,304
  • Year 2: $97,855
  • Year 3: $104,056
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,512
  • Year 2: $94,864
  • Year 3: $103,461
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $98,201
Nuclear Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $89,155
  • Year 3: $94,780
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $185,139
  • Year 2: $178,741
  • Year 3: $197,723
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $209,842
  • Year 2: $168,125
  • Year 3: $177,935
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $146,285
  • Year 2: $139,927
  • Year 3: $151,208
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $139,794
  • Year 2: $140,166
  • Year 3: $148,785
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $118,208
  • Year 2: $112,215
  • Year 3: $137,273
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,398
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $123,926
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,643
  • Year 2: $94,281
  • Year 3: $117,745
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,847
  • Year 2: $116,354
  • Year 3: $116,465
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,171
  • Year 2: $99,772
  • Year 3: $107,831
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,194
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $101,999

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