University of Minnesota Twin Cities vs Pennsylvania State University

University of Minnesota Twin Cities vs Pennsylvania State University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN) and Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) are similarly well-regarded U.S. public research universities with strong international recognition. In QS World University Rankings 2026, UMN ranks 210th, whereas Penn State ranks at 82nd. Based on the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UMN is ranked 87th, while Penn State ranks a notch lower at 100th. In the U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, UMN stands at 72nd, while Penn State is at 91st. UMN is strong in engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences, while Penn State stands out in engineering, business, materials science, and life sciences, with a global reputation for research excellence and innovation.

General Information

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, established in 1851 in Minneapolis–St. Paul, is a top public research university in the United States with over 35,000 undergraduate students. It provides rich academic programs in STEM, social sciences, arts, and professional fields with strong research and industry collaborations in the Twin Cities area.

Pennsylvania State University, founded in 1855 and based in University Park, Pennsylvania, is the largest undergraduate campus of the Penn State system with an approximate 40,000 undergraduate population. It has a reputation for its prestigious research programs, strong alumni base, and leadership in applied sciences, engineering, and business.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMN is 77% acceptable, so it's moderately open. Some programs such as engineering, business, and computer science are more competitive but overall provides wide opportunities for admission.

Penn State is slightly more selective with an acceptance rate of 54% and with higher competition for well-popular programs but still remaining open for qualified applicants.

Research Impact & Facilities

UMN is an R1 research university with significant advances in medicine, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, and technology. Its research apparatus consists of several centers, institutes, and partnerships that promote innovation both regionally and globally.

Penn State is also an R1 research powerhouse, known around the world for research in engineering, business, life sciences, materials science, and energy. Its research institutes, including the Materials Research Institute and the Applied Research Laboratory, enable innovative discoveries and industry collaborations.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both Penn State and UMN charge public university tuition, which is cheaper for in-state residents. The urban location of UMN could make living expenses slightly higher, while Penn State offers generous financial aid in the form of merit-based and need-based scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to domestic and international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMN graduates have good career prospects in STEM, business, healthcare, and research, especially in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Its alumni are numerous and powerful in many sectors.

Penn State graduates boast excellent employment rates in engineering, business, life sciences, and applied sciences, with one of the largest alumni networks in the US, offering great networking and leadership opportunities internationally.