College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
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
Charlottesville, VA
Total Enrollment
52,089
26,409
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
17,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
16.8%
Average GPA
3.80
4.00
SAT Range
1180–1360
1410–1540
ACT Range
25–31
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$75
Total Applicants
62,138
58,951
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$33,921
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$17,831
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$18,059
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$53,325
Room & Board
$12,564
$15,862
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
39.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$28,715
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
89.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$86,863
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
UVA is in Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $17,831 at Virginia-Main Campus. Virginia-Main Campus is $6,799 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 Virginia-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1410-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while Virginia-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 93%. Virginia-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while Virginia-Main Campus has a ratio of 15:1. Virginia-Main Campus 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 Virginia-Main Campus, 39% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,715.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $86,863 for Virginia-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Virginia-Main Campus 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. Virginia-Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, VA in a suburb: midsize setting.