Georgia Tech vs Michigan State University (MSU)

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus and Michigan State University, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Georgia Tech, renowned for its technological prowess, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a higher graduation rate compared to Michigan State. On the other hand, Michigan State, with its larger student body, provides a more diverse range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like Communication and Psychology. While both universities excel in research and offer ample opportunities for student involvement, their unique strengths and characteristics may appeal to different academic aspirations and preferences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into specific details and make an informed decision that aligns with your individual goals and aspirations.

	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	Michigan State University
Overview
Location	Atlanta, Georgia	East Lansing, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	16.0%	83.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1310 - 1500	1100 - 1320
ACT range	30 - 34	23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	53.0%	48.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	44,048	50,630
Total number of admissions given out	7,030	42,150
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,453	9,225
Yield rate	49.1%	21.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $32,698 Out of state: $53,810	In state: $29,734 Out of state: $55,546
Average net price	$17,360	$8,738
Tuition	In state: $10,258 Out of state: $31,370	In state: $14,750 Out of state: $40,562
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,918 Meal plan: $5,328	Room/dormitory: $4,408 Meal plan: $6,268
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	70.0% Average amount $14,015	58.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	22.0% Average amount $4,919	34.0% Average amount $4,999
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $13,058	6.0% Average amount $18,093

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	17,461 Men 60.2% Women 39.8%	38,574 Men 48.4% Women 51.6%
Graduate students	26,398 Men 74.0% Women 26.0%	11,085 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	40.2%	18.7%
International students	26.6%	8.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,667	17,463
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Florida New Jersey North Carolina New York	Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Architecture	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Health Professions Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.9%	82.1%
Dropout rate	2.2%	7.8%
Transferred out	4.7%	9.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,073 Year 2: $127,034 Year 3: $137,753 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $121,610 Year 2: $111,196 Year 3: $137,409 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,428 Year 2: $91,152 Year 3: $110,089 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,509 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $108,748 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,709 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $106,452 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,098 Year 2: $90,983 Year 3: $100,683 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,067 Year 2: $83,270 Year 3: $97,066 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,001 Year 2: $85,834 Year 3: $91,491 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,050 Year 2: $73,992 Year 3: $87,541 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,354 Year 2: $76,283 Year 3: $86,996	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $126,500 Year 2: $123,886 Year 3: $132,790 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,863 Year 2: $98,481 Year 3: $108,546 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,313 Year 2: $89,435 Year 3: $101,511 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,361 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $100,492 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $97,714 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $79,294 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,263 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,609 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $92,316 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,457 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $91,721 Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,178 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $89,761 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,462 Year 2: $80,133 Year 3: $84,869

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Georgia Tech and Michigan State University?

Georgia Tech excels in engineering, computer science, and architecture, consistently ranking among the top programs globally. Michigan State University boasts strong programs in business, education, and communication arts and sciences, with notable strengths in areas like supply chain management and hospitality business.
How do the research opportunities compare at Georgia Tech and Michigan State?

Both universities are R1 research institutions, meaning they have very high research activity. Georgia Tech is particularly strong in STEM research, with numerous labs and centers focused on cutting-edge technologies. Michigan State has a broad research portfolio, including significant contributions in areas like agriculture, environmental science, and health sciences, in addition to STEM fields.
What is the typical student body like at each university?

Georgia Tech has a student body that is heavily focused on STEM fields, with a significant proportion of students pursuing engineering and computer science degrees. Michigan State has a more diverse student body, with a broader range of academic interests and a larger undergraduate population, reflecting a more traditional university experience.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Georgia Tech and Michigan State?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, can vary. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition at Georgia Tech tends to be higher than at Michigan State. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fee information on each university's official website for the most accurate comparison.
What are the campus environments like at Georgia Tech and Michigan State?

Georgia Tech's campus is located in the heart of Atlanta, offering a vibrant urban environment with access to numerous cultural and professional opportunities. Michigan State's campus is located in East Lansing, Michigan, and is known for its expansive, beautiful, and more traditional college campus setting, with a strong sense of community and school spirit.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both universities provide robust career services. Georgia Tech's career services are particularly strong in STEM fields, with high job placement rates for graduates in engineering and computer science. Michigan State's career services cater to a wider range of disciplines, with strong placement rates in business, communication, and other fields. Both universities have extensive alumni networks that support career development.
What are the athletic programs like at Georgia Tech and Michigan State?

Michigan State is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a highly competitive athletic program, particularly in football and basketball, with a strong tradition of success. Georgia Tech is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and also has competitive athletic programs, with a notable history in football and basketball, though perhaps not as consistently dominant as Michigan State in recent years.
What are the housing options like at each university?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options. Georgia Tech has a mix of traditional dorms and apartment-style living. Michigan State has a large number of residence halls, offering a wide range of living experiences. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available.
How do the student organizations and extracurricular activities differ?

Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations and extracurricular activities. Georgia Tech has a strong focus on STEM-related clubs and organizations, reflecting its academic strengths. Michigan State has a broader range of clubs and organizations, including a vibrant Greek life, a strong performing arts scene, and numerous student government and volunteer opportunities, catering to a more diverse student body.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or business?

For engineering and computer science, Georgia Tech is generally considered a top choice. For business, Michigan State's Broad College of Business is highly regarded. However, both universities offer strong programs in various fields, so it's essential to research specific departments and programs to determine the best fit for your academic interests and career goals.

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