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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Michigan State University

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public university in Ann Arbor, MI, and Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the more selective of the two, admitting about 16% of applicants against 85% at Michigan State University. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,138 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 93% of students graduate at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, compared with 81% at Michigan State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor alumni earn a median of about $83,648, against $67,253 for Michigan State University.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
East Lansing, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
34,177
40,922
Acceptance rate
16%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
~3.74 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1530
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,138
$19,680
Full cost / yr
$34,654
$32,198
In-state tuition
$17,736
$16,458
Out-of-state tuition
$60,946
$43,842
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,043
$7,068
$30k - $48k
$1,878
$10,830
$48k - $75k
$4,895
$16,521
$75k - $110k
$10,869
$22,703
Over $110k
$26,517
$28,546
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
81%
Freshman retention
97%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$73,762
$55,084
Median earnings (10 yr)
$83,648
$67,253
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
20%
First-generation students
21%
21%
International students
8%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University harder to get into?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is harder to get into. It admits about 16% 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, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,138 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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University?
Before aid, Michigan State University costs about $32,198 a year and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor about $34,654. 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, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,043 there, against about $7,068 at Michigan State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 34,177 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 81% at Michigan State University.
Do graduates of University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University earn more?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor alumni earn more on average: a median of about $83,648 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,253 for Michigan State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Michigan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1530 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and 1180–1360 at Michigan State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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