Academic Comparison between MSU and Northwestern University

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

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 Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than MSU ($44,040).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than MSU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than MSU (1,250).
  • 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Northwestern University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, 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$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees$65,997
69%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
84.00 %Acceptance Rates7.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,250SAT 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
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