Michigan State University (MSU) vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: Michigan State University (MSU) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich). While both universities share the common ground of academic excellence, they diverge in their unique offerings and student experiences. MSU, nestled in East Lansing, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UMich, situated in Ann Arbor, maintains a lower acceptance rate, attracting a highly competitive pool of applicants. Explore the nuances of each university's popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics in the comprehensive comparison table below. Discover which institution aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for your transformative journey in higher education.
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![]() Michigan State University |
![]() University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
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Overview |
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Location | East Lansing, Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Trimester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 92.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.3% | 20.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 1100 - 1320 | N/A |
ACT range | 23 - 29 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 48.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 16.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 50,630 | 79,743 |
Total number of admissions given out | 42,150 | 16,071 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,225 | 7,290 |
Yield rate | 21.9% | 45.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | 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:
$32,272
Out of state:
$69,326
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Average net price | $8,738 | $19,205 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,750
Out of state:
$40,562
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In state:
$15,850
Out of state:
$52,904
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,408
Meal plan:
$6,268
|
$12,592 |
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 |
59.0%
Average amount $16,326 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $4,999 |
24.0%
Average amount $5,311 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $18,093 |
3.0%
Average amount $21,796 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6% |
32,282
Men 48.8% Women 51.2% |
Graduate students |
11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
17,996
Men 49.4% Women 50.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 18.7% | N/A |
International students | 8.3% | 15.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 17,463 | 11,629 |
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 | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 82.1% | 93.7% |
Dropout rate | 7.8% | 5.7% |
Transferred out | 9.8% | N/A |
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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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
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