College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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
Chapel Hill, NC
Total Enrollment
52,089
32,438
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
20,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
15.3%
Average GPA
3.80
3.90
SAT Range
1180–1360
1390–1530
ACT Range
25–31
28–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$85
Total Applicants
62,138
66,535
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$20,823
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$11,140
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$7,019
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$35,580
Room & Board
$12,564
$13,804
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
38.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$17,814
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$72,200
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
UNC Chapel Hill is in Chapel Hill, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $11,140 at UNC Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is $13,490 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 UNC Chapel Hill, the typical SAT range is 1390-1530. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while UNC Chapel Hill has a graduation rate of 92%. UNC Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while UNC Chapel Hill has a ratio of 15:1. UNC Chapel Hill 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 UNC Chapel Hill, 38% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,814.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $72,200 for UNC Chapel Hill graduates. Graduates from UNC Chapel Hill 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. UNC Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, NC in a city: small setting.