College Comparison
University of Michigan 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
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Michigan | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 17.9%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1350–1530wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 31–34wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $58,072 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,832wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,648wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.6%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 11:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,488 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, University of Michigan edges out Penn 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.
University of Michigan Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 17.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1530
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,832
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.