MSU vs Northwestern University

Compare two rival schools - Michigan State University and Northwestern University with tuition and admission information where MSU is a four-years, public located in East Lansing, MI and Northwestern University is a four-years, private (not-for-profit) located in Evanston, IL.
The next list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare two colleges with comprehensive information on the full comparison page.
  • MSU is a public and Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-years schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than MSU ($43,372).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than MSU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
The following table compares the two rival schools - Michigan State University and Northwestern University.
MSUvs.Northwestern University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-years, PublicSchool Typefour-years, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,988
Out-Of-State$43,372
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
69%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
87.95 %Acceptance Rates7.21 %
20.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.16 %
1,260SAT Score1,530
28ACT Score34
81 %Graduation Rate96 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate98 %
50,023Student Population23,161
2,996Number of Faculties2,325
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services