Academic Comparison between MSU and Adrian

Michigan State University and Adrian College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MSU is a four-year, public school located in East Lansing, MI and Adrian is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Adrian, 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.

  • MSU is a public and Adrian is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than Adrian ($41,684).
  • It is harder to admit to Adrian than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than Adrian (1,010).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Adrian (23).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Adrian has 1,765 students.
  • Adrian has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Adrian has 80 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Adrian College
East Lansing, MichiganLocationAdrian, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees$41,684
80%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,861
84.80 %Acceptance Rates72.53 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.34 %
1,260SAT Score1,010
28ACT Score23
81 %Graduation Rate48 %
-Transfer-out Rate33 %
90 %Retention Rate65 %
52,089Student Population1,765
3,013Number of Faculties80
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare