College Comparison
Michigan State vs Penn State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Michigan State
East Lansing, MI
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 54.2%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1220–1400wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 27–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 85.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 92.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Penn State edges out Michigan State on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,751
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $67,253
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 54.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1220–1400
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.