Can anyone compare University of Maryland and Penn State?

So, I'm trying to decide between the University of Maryland and Penn State, but it's proving to be pretty difficult. I was wondering if anyone had some insight about which might be better? Not just in terms of academics, but also campus life, opportunities, location, and anything else you can think of that might be worth considering. Thanks for the help!

Sure! Both the University of Maryland (UMD) and Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) are great institutions with diverse offerings. To make your decision, you should consider your major, what kind of atmosphere you want, and other specific needs.

Academically, both schools are highly regarded but have different areas of strengths. Penn State, for instance, boasts strong programs in Engineering and Business, while UMD is renowned for its programs in Business and Computer Science.

For campus life, both schools have a lot to offer. They both have large student bodies and Division I athletic teams, which means tons of school spirit! However, the two campuses have different vibes. Penn State's campus is in a more rural setting in University Park, PA and bears a very traditional college town feel. UMD, on the other hand, is located in College Park, which is a suburban environment just outside of Washington D.C. Access to a larger city can provide a variety of internship and job opportunities, as well as additional amenities like dining and entertainment options.

In terms of opportunities, UMD's proximity to D.C. can offer rich internship opportunities, particularly if you're interested in politics, journalism, or international affairs. Penn State's larger endowment and alumni network could potentially lead to wider networking opportunities across multiple industries.

On diversity, both schools have a fairly diverse student body, although you might find that UMD is a bit more diverse due to its location near a metropolitan hub.

In terms of financial considerations, look at the net price calculators for both schools to get an estimate of costs and financial aid. Remember to consider out-of-state tuition if you're not a resident of either state, as this could significantly affect your costs.

Ultimately, visit both campuses if you can to get a first-hand sense of each school's atmosphere, culture, and community, as this might be the deciding factor for you. And remember, both schools offer a wealth of resources and opportunities, so you can't really make a wrong choice here!