Academic Comparison between MSU and Northern Michigan

Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Michigan

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 Northern Michigan ($19,944).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Michigan than MSU.
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Northern Michigan has 7,409 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Northern Michigan's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Northern Michigan has 318 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Northern Michigan University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationMarquette, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,322
Out-Of-State$19,944
80%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,939
84.80 %Acceptance Rates84.02 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.28 %
1,260SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
81 %Graduation Rate52 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate78 %
52,089Student Population7,409
3,013Number of Faculties318
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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, On-campus daycare