University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN) vs The Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Minneapolis or State College, home to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and The Pennsylvania State University, respectively. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Penn State attracts a slightly larger population of undergraduates. Explore their contrasting popular majors, ranging from business and engineering to communications and health sciences. Discover the nuances in their graduation rates, reflecting the dedication of their faculty and the drive of their students. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further insights into these two esteemed universities, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() The Pennsylvania State University |
![]() University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
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Overview |
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Location | University Park, Pennsylvania | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 87.0% | 92.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 92.3% | 73.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$55
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 1140 - 1360 | 1310 - 1490 |
ACT range | 25 - 31 | 27 - 32 |
Students submitting SAT score | 32.0% | 7.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 6.0% | 41.0% |
Total number of applicants | 96,686 | 35,905 |
Total number of admissions given out | 89,207 | 26,295 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 16,049 | 6,883 |
Yield rate | 18.0% | 26.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not 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
|
In state:
$29,416
Out of state:
$47,980
|
Average net price | $24,012 | $17,468 |
Tuition |
In state:
$18,368
Out of state:
$35,946
|
In state:
$13,532
Out of state:
$32,096
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$7,360
Meal plan:
$5,618
|
Room/dormitory:
$6,654
Meal plan:
$4,860
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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 |
65.0%
Average amount $10,362 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $5,305 |
37.0%
Average amount $5,188 |
Students taking out private loans |
13.0%
Average amount $19,837 |
10.0%
Average amount $14,830 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
73,476
Men 53.7% Women 46.3% |
36,209
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
Graduate students |
15,438
Men 51.7% Women 48.3% |
16,167
Men 43.3% Women 56.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 34.1% | 28.7% |
International students | 10.5% | 9.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 20,547 | 7,558 |
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 | Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois North Dakota California |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 72.3% | 84.2% |
Dropout rate | 25.7% | 5.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 9.3% |
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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Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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