Michigan State University vs Northern Michigan University
Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI, and Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, MI. Northern Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 84% of applicants against 85% at Michigan State University. Northern Michigan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,085 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 81% of students graduate at Michigan State University, compared with 52% at Northern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan State University alumni earn a median of about $67,253, against $47,107 for Northern Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
Marquette, MI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
40,922
6,556
Acceptance rate
85%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.74 avg
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1360
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,680
$14,085
Full cost / yr
$32,198
$27,841
In-state tuition
$16,458
$14,277
Out-of-state tuition
$43,842
$19,773
Application fee
$65
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,068
$7,697
$30k - $48k
$10,830
$7,185
$48k - $75k
$16,521
$11,051
$75k - $110k
$22,703
$16,324
Over $110k
$28,546
$22,268
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
52%
Freshman retention
90%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,084
$37,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,253
$47,107
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,474
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
28%
First-generation students
21%
28%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University harder to get into?
- Northern Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 84% of applicants, compared with 85% at Michigan State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Northern Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,085 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,680 at Michigan State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University?
- Before aid, Northern Michigan University costs about $27,841 a year and Michigan State University about $32,198. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Michigan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,068 there, against about $7,697 at Northern Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University?
- Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 6,556 at Northern Michigan University.
- Does Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 52% at Northern Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Michigan State University or Northern Michigan University earn more?
- Michigan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,107 for Northern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Michigan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Michigan University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 at Michigan State University and 970–1190 at Northern Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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