Northwestern University vs MSU

Compare two rival schools - Northwestern University and Michigan State University with tuition and admission information where Northwestern University is a four-years, private (not-for-profit) located in Evanston, IL and MSU is a four-years, public located in East Lansing, MI.
The next list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare two colleges with comprehensive information on the full comparison page.
  • Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) and MSU is a public 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 (1,530) than MSU (1,260).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) 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 - Northwestern University and Michigan State University.
Northwestern Universityvs.MSU
Evanston, IllinoisLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-years, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-years, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$65,9972024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,988
Out-Of-State$43,372
54%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,980
7.21 %Acceptance Rates87.95 %
55.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.95 %
1,530SAT Score1,260
34ACT Score28
96 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate10 %
98 %Retention Rate89 %
23,161Student Population50,023
2,325Number of Faculties2,996
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services