Michigan State University (MSU) vs University of Georgia (UGA)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Georgia (UGA). Both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. MSU, rooted in the heart of East Lansing, Michigan, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UGA, nestled in the vibrant city of Athens, Georgia, stands out with its lower acceptance rate, indicating a highly selective admissions process. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover further distinctions, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics. Discover which university aligns with your aspirations and empowers you to thrive in your chosen field.
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![]() Michigan State University |
![]() University of Georgia |
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Overview |
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Location | East Lansing, Michigan | Athens, Georgia |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
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 | 92.0% | 95.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.3% | 40.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 1100 - 1320 | 1270 - 1450 |
ACT range | 23 - 29 | 29 - 33 |
Students submitting SAT score | 48.0% | 45.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 16.0% | 40.0% |
Total number of applicants | 50,630 | 39,229 |
Total number of admissions given out | 42,150 | 15,685 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,225 | 5,819 |
Yield rate | 21.9% | 37.1% |
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) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,734
Out of state:
$55,546
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In state:
$26,622
Out of state:
$45,662
|
Average net price | $8,738 | $16,902 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,750
Out of state:
$40,562
|
In state:
$9,790
Out of state:
$28,830
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,408
Meal plan:
$6,268
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Room/dormitory:
$6,292
Meal plan:
$4,036
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
58.0%
Average amount $12,822 |
92.0%
Average amount $11,045 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $4,999 |
25.0%
Average amount $5,227 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $18,093 |
3.0%
Average amount $13,477 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6% |
30,166
Men 42.0% Women 58.0% |
Graduate students |
11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
9,952
Men 38.2% Women 61.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 18.7% | 17.5% |
International students | 8.3% | 4.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 17,463 | 10,050 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York | Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 82.1% | 87.8% |
Dropout rate | 7.8% | 3.6% |
Transferred out | 9.8% | 7.5% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees)
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