College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of California-Berkeley
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
Berkeley, CA
Total Enrollment
52,089
45,882
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
33,070
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
11.0%
Average GPA
3.80
3.87
SAT Range
1180–1360
1350–1510
ACT Range
25–31
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Not Required
Application Fee
$65
$80
Total Applicants
62,138
124,242
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$35,314
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$16,997
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$41,636
Room & Board
$12,564
$23,750
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$29,608
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$92,446
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
UC Berkeley is in Berkeley, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $16,997 at California-Berkeley. California-Berkeley is $7,633 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Michigan State University typically score between 1180-1360 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At California-Berkeley, the typical SAT range is 1350-1510. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while California-Berkeley has a graduation rate of 94%. California-Berkeley has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while California-Berkeley has a ratio of 18:1. Michigan State University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Michigan State University, 88% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $9,750. At California-Berkeley, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $29,608.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $92,446 for California-Berkeley graduates. Graduates from California-Berkeley tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI in a city: small setting. California-Berkeley is located in Berkeley, CA in a city: midsize setting.