Academic Comparison between MSU and Northwestern

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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than MSU ($44,850).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than MSU.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern 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 3,013 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 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$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
80%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
84.80 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,260SAT Score1,540
28ACT Score34
81 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate98 %
52,089Student Population23,856
3,013Number of Faculties2,442
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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