Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
MSU
$219,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MSU = $166,000 | Penn State = $157,872. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
MSU Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringBiologyCommunicationPsychologyPenn State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation Sciences
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSU or Penn State harder to get into?+
Penn State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 54.0% compared to 83.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MSU or Penn State?+
At sticker price, Penn State costs less over 4 years ($208,552 vs $219,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MSU offers an average of $13,400/year in aid while Penn State offers $12,670/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MSU and Penn State?+
The average SAT score at MSU is 1210 and at Penn State it is 1300. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do MSU or Penn State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Penn State have a higher average starting salary ($65,400 vs $60,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
MSU has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Penn State has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do MSU and Penn State compare for campus life?+
MSU is located in East Lansing, Michigan (suburban setting) with a 5,200-acre campus. Penn State is in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with 5,000 acres. MSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Penn State in NCAA D1.