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College comparison
Michigan State vs Penn State
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Michigan State East Lansing, MI |  Penn State University Park, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance ratePennsylvania State University-Main Campus is more selective | 85% | 61% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1180–1360 | 1240–1420 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 40,922 | 42,284 |
| Avg net price | $19,680 | $32,875 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Michigan State reports higher median earnings | $67,253 | $63,435 |
| Graduation rate | 81% | 86% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $25,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Public | Public |
Quick answers
- Is Michigan State University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is more selective: Michigan State University's acceptance rate is approximately 85% and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's is approximately 61% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Michigan State University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1180–1360 at Michigan State University and 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.