Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) vs University of Maryland, where to study in USA?

Pennsylvania State University vs University of Maryland is ranked at #=164 in QS World University Rankings, 2023.

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Pennsylvania State University  ranks 93 in QS World University Rankings, 2023. is the best university in the state of Pennsylvania in academics, research and graduate education.the university is one of the top research institutes in the USA. 18 disciplines of the university are ranked among top 10 in the USA for research expenditures. University of Maryland is ranked at #=164 in QS World University Rankings, 2023.The university is home to 4 Pulitzer Prize winners, 2 Nobel laureates, and 1 Emmy winner.The university exhibits improvisational comedy company, political clubs, sports clubs, religious organizations, and student chapters of professional societies.

Overview Comparison
Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity of Maryland
Collegedunia Score5.9 Out of 105.9 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 89 QS World University 2025
# 46 QS World University 2024
# 60 US News 2024
# 218 QS World University 2025
# 46 US News 2024
# 114 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength# 32 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
# 105 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
# 19 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 33 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
# 228 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
ProgramsUG Programs -163
PG Programs -117
UG Programs -81
PG Programs -87
Doctorate Programs -3
Acceptance Rate51.3 %44.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1160
TOEFL-80
GMAT-600
IELTS-7
SAT-1280
TOEFL-80
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   35984
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38198
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 26664 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   36891
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  19500
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 19326 Per Year
placement (average package)

PhD: $150,0000- $158,000
MBA: $133,483
MS: $83,000
Around 42% of bachelors students were placed in the private sector (2018-19)


University of Maryland, College Park is one of the top public universities in College Park, United States. It is ranked #=164 in QS World University Rankings

Average Salaries Are Listed Below:

  • Executive MBA  : $185,000 
  • MBA : $140,000 
  • Doctorate : $135,000 
  • Masters in Management :  $107,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $92,000 
  • Masters in Science : $86,000 

application requirements

Submit Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) along with application, SAT/ACT scores are also accepted as language proficiency proof. You may have to fulfill additional requriements as per the program.

2 LORs, activities and awards list along with resume are also required for UG students as well, submit essay prompts, auditions for some programs like music, etc. 

Campuses and B-SchoolsSmeal College of Business
Robert H. Smith School of Business
CollegeDunia Reviews7.3/10 Read 7 reviews7.3/10 Read 16 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity of Maryland
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1855
1856
Student:Faculty Ratio16:1
16:1
Male:Female65% Male, 35% Female53% Male, 47% Female
Location Facts

It has 24 campuses located throughout the state allowing students to explore the city while learning. University Park area is situated in located in State College and College township is located in Center Country.   


The suburban college is located in a designated area “college park” Maryland. The other campus is located in Baltimore. There is an urban forest located on-campus. The campus lies near to the transit center which makes it accessible.   


Library

Titles held: 7,240,616
Ebooks: 2,226,680
Volumes held: 8,647,496


Overall 4 million titles in collection, comprising- print books collection (2,016,845); e-books (6,305,045); ejournals (501,554); print journals (60,900); streaming media titles (308,256), films & videos (35,089); audio files (46,796). The total collection with other libraries is over 100,000. 


Campus Life

Engage in varsity athletics, 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, intramural clubs, Center for Spiritual and ethical development, LGBTQ resource center.  
Have your own creamery within the university- Berkey


Over 800 student clubs and organizations offering you an option to indulge in arts, music, theatre, and more. The university has two main dining halls for you to enjoy a hearty meal. The college also has intramural & sports clubs and division I teams. You can indulge in fraternities, sororities, community services, and civic engagement. 


Hostel#On campus - $11280
#Off campus (not with family) - $11280
#Off campus (with family) - $4104
#Room & Board - $10112
#Room & Board - $9214
Famous Alumni

Saquon Barkley (American Footballer), Adam Huber (Actor), Jerry Sandusky (football coach- America), Dan Bongino (American commentator), Safaa Al- Hashim (politician), Bo Nickal (Freestyle Wrestler). Alumni are famously called Nittany Lions.


Carl Bernstein (journalist), Larry David (comedian), Sergey Brin (computer engineer & Co-founder Google), Kevin Plank (businessman), Carly Fiorina (businesswoman), Boomer Esiason (football quarterback), David Simon (author), Steny Hoyer (US representative), Judith Resnik (engineer), Len Bias (basketball player), etc. 


City Life

State College, Pennsylvania is the largest borough area. Downtown Improvement District and University Park are two major sections in State College. The neighborhood has Orchard Parks, West End, College Heights, South State College, and more. Penn State University is the largest employer followed by Mount Nittany Medical Center. You can enjoy art fests, dance night marathons, and more. 


College Park in Prince George’s County is located on the Northeast border of Washington. It is home to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, US National Archives, and National Archives. It shares its neighborhood with Lakeland, Hollywood, Calvert Hills, and Cherry Hills. There are three museums to explore in the city and various historic sites. 


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