College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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
Ann Arbor, MI
Total Enrollment
52,089
52,855
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
34,454
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
15.6%
Average GPA
3.80
3.90
SAT Range
1180–1360
1360–1530
ACT Range
25–31
31–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$75
Total Applicants
62,138
98,310
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$32,782
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$19,005
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$17,454
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$56,941
Room & Board
$12,564
$15,328
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
59.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$25,099
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
83.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$83,648
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $19,005 at Michigan-Ann Arbor. Michigan-Ann Arbor is $5,625 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor, the typical SAT range is 1360-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while Michigan-Ann Arbor has a graduation rate of 94%. Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while Michigan-Ann Arbor has a ratio of 11:1. Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $25,099.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $83,648 for Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates. Graduates from Michigan-Ann Arbor 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. Michigan-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI in a city: midsize setting.