College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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
Champaign, IL
Total Enrollment
52,089
59,238
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
37,140
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
20:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
42.4%
Average GPA
3.80
3.83
SAT Range
1180–1360
1310–1520
ACT Range
25–31
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$50
Total Applicants
62,138
73,742
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$28,562
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$14,297
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$14,542
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$35,122
Room & Board
$12,564
$14,020
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$19,299
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
76.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$81,054
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $14,297 at Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $10,333 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the typical SAT range is 1310-1520. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a graduation rate of 87%. Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $19,299.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $81,054 for Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates. Graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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. Illinois Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, IL in a city: small setting.