<p>
Not by much–in the latest US News ranking of graduate Chemical Engineering programs, Michigan is #12 and Penn is #18:</p>
<p>[Best</a> Chemical Engineering Programs | Top Engineering Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/chemical-engineering-rankings?int=b07d60]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/chemical-engineering-rankings?int=b07d60)</p>
<p>I’d recommend that he look at the specific area(s) within Chemical Engineering on which he wants to focus, and then investigate the strengths and reputation of each school in that area or those areas. Also, he should look at the placement success of both programs in the type of activity he wants to pursue after receiving his Masters (e.g., industry, additional graduate study, etc.).</p>
<p>I suspect that these two programs are actually fairly comparable, in which case, he should look at other factors (cost, personal preference and fit, geographic setting, etc.).</p>