College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of California-Los Angeles
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
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
52,089
47,335
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
33,475
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
9.0%
Average GPA
3.80
3.92
SAT Range
1180–1360
1330–1530
ACT Range
25–31
29–34
Test Policy
Optional
Not Required
Application Fee
$65
$80
Total Applicants
62,138
146,272
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$29,933
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$15,166
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$11,564
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$41,636
Room & Board
$12,564
$18,369
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$25,627
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$82,511
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
UC Los Angeles is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $15,166 at California-Los Angeles. California-Los Angeles is $9,464 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-Los Angeles, the typical SAT range is 1330-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while California-Los Angeles has a graduation rate of 94%. California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles has a ratio of 20:1. 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-Los Angeles, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,627.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $82,511 for California-Los Angeles graduates. Graduates from California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.