Academic Comparison between IU and MSU

Indiana University-Bloomington and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. IU is located in Bloomington, IN and MSU is located in East Lansing, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than IU ($41,891).
  • It is harder to admit to IU than MSU.
  • IU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,290) than MSU (1,260).
  • IU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while IU has 48,424 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while IU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while IU has 2,098 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Indiana University-Bloomingtonvs.Michigan State University
Bloomington, IndianaLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$12,144
Out-Of-State$41,891
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
68%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$11,540Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
78.21 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
18.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,290SAT Score1,260
30ACT Score28
80 %Graduation Rate81 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate90 %
48,424Student Population52,089
2,098Number of Faculties3,013
18 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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