IU-Bloomington vs Michigan State University (MSU)

When it comes to choosing the right university, Indiana University-Bloomington and Michigan State University stand out as two exceptional options. Both offer a rich academic experience, vibrant campus life, and strong athletic programs. However, there are some key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider. IU-Bloomington boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible choice for students with a wider range of academic backgrounds. MSU, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate and offers a more diverse range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like engineering and nursing. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the specifics of each university, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	Michigan State University
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	East Lansing, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Small	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	90.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	83.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1160 - 1380	1100 - 1320
ACT range	26 - 32	23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	48.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	50,630
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	42,150
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	9,225
Yield rate	24.0%	21.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $29,734 Out of state: $55,546
Average net price	$13,386	$8,738
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $14,750 Out of state: $40,562
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	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)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	58.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	34.0% Average amount $4,999
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	6.0% Average amount $18,093

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	38,574 Men 48.4% Women 51.6%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	11,085 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	18.7%
International students	10.4%	8.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	13,484	17,463
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Health Professions Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	82.1%
Dropout rate	7.9%	7.8%
Transferred out	10.2%	9.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	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 main differences between Indiana University Bloomington (IU) and Michigan State University (MSU)?

IU Bloomington is known for its strong programs in music, business, and public affairs, and boasts a more liberal arts focused environment. Michigan State University excels in agriculture, communication, and engineering, and offers a broader range of professional programs. IU is located in a smaller college town, while MSU is situated in a larger metropolitan area.
Which university is larger, IU or MSU?

Michigan State University is generally larger than Indiana University Bloomington in terms of total student enrollment. MSU typically has a higher number of undergraduate and graduate students.
How do the academic reputations of IU and MSU compare?

Both IU and MSU are well-respected public universities. IU is particularly renowned for its Jacobs School of Music and Kelley School of Business. MSU has a strong reputation in agriculture, communication, and packaging. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the campus environment like at IU versus MSU?

IU Bloomington offers a classic college town experience with a focus on arts and culture. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant student life. Michigan State University has a more sprawling campus with a strong emphasis on athletics and a diverse range of student organizations. East Lansing, where MSU is located, offers a more urban feel compared to Bloomington.
How do the costs of attending IU and MSU compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status and specific programs. Generally, tuition and fees are comparable for in-state students at both universities. Out-of-state tuition tends to be higher. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost information and financial aid opportunities.
Which university is better for specific majors like business or music?

For business, Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the nation. For music, IU's Jacobs School of Music is world-renowned. Michigan State University has strong business programs as well, particularly in supply chain management. If your passion is music, IU is the clear choice. For other business specializations, consider researching the specific program rankings at each school.
What are the athletic programs like at IU and MSU?

Both IU and MSU are members of the Big Ten Conference and have strong athletic programs. MSU is particularly known for its basketball and football programs, while IU has a rich tradition in basketball and swimming. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at IU and MSU?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. IU's Kelley School of Business has a strong network of alumni and corporate partners, providing excellent internship and job opportunities for its students. MSU also has a robust career services center and benefits from its location near major industries in Michigan.
How do the locations of IU and MSU affect student life?

IU Bloomington is located in a quintessential college town, offering a close-knit community and a focus on campus activities. East Lansing, where MSU is located, provides access to a larger city with more diverse entertainment and cultural options. The location can influence the overall student experience and the types of extracurricular activities available.
What are the admission requirements like for IU and MSU?

Admission requirements for both IU and MSU are competitive and typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), and extracurricular involvement. The specific requirements may vary depending on the program you are applying to. Check each university's admissions website for the most current information.
Which school has a stronger focus on research?

Both IU and MSU are major research universities with significant research funding and activity. MSU has a particularly strong focus on agricultural and scientific research, while IU has strengths in areas like social sciences, humanities, and information science. The best choice depends on your specific research interests.
How diverse are the student populations at IU and MSU?

Both IU and MSU strive to create diverse and inclusive campus environments. MSU generally has a slightly more diverse student body overall, but both universities have a significant international student population and a variety of programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.

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