College Comparison
Michigan State University vs Purdue University-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
West Lafayette, IN
Total Enrollment
52,089
58,658
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
44,819
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
14:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FBS
—
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
49.9%
Average GPA
3.8
3.9
SAT Range
1180–1360
1200–1480
ACT Range
25–31
27–34
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$65
$60
Total Applicants
62,138
78,745
Academics & Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
3,061
2,117
Women Faculty
47%
37%
Research Spending
$859M
$1.0B
Offers Online Degree
Yes
Yes
Student Body
Women
53%
41%
Men
47%
59%
White
64%
54%
Black / African American
6%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
7%
Asian
8%
12%
International
8%
17%
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$22,533
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,240
$26,172
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$12,421
In-State Tuition
$16,437
$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,427
$28,520
Room and Board
$12,564
$12,815
Percent Receiving Aid
88.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$11,294
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate
66.0%
58.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
84.0%
77.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
85.0%
79.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
75.8%
79.9%
10 Year Median Earnings
$67,253
$72,424
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
West Lafayette, IN
Total Enrollment
52,089
58,658
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
44,819
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
14:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FBS
—
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
49.9%
Average GPA
3.8
3.9
SAT Range
1180–1360
1200–1480
ACT Range
25–31
27–34
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$65
$60
Total Applicants
62,138
78,745
Full-Time Faculty
3,061
2,117
Women Faculty
47%
37%
Research Spending
$859M
$1.0B
Offers Online Degree
Yes
Yes
Women
53%
41%
Men
47%
59%
White
64%
54%
Black / African American
6%
3%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
7%
Asian
8%
12%
International
8%
17%
Sticker Price
$29,001
$22,533
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,240
$26,172
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$12,421
In-State Tuition
$16,437
$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,427
$28,520
Room and Board
$12,564
$12,815
Percent Receiving Aid
88.0%
40.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$11,294
4-Year Graduation Rate
66.0%
58.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
84.0%
77.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
85.0%
79.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
93.0%
Employment Rate
75.8%
79.9%
10 Year Median Earnings
$67,253
$72,424
Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%, while Purdue University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. This means Purdue University-Main Campus is more selective than Michigan State University.
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.