Academic Comparison between MSU and OSU

Michigan State University and Ohio State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and OSU is located in Columbus, OH.

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 OSU ($40,022).
  • It is harder to admit to OSU than MSU.
  • OSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • OSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • OSU has more students with 61,443 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • OSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 5,014 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Ohio State University-Main Campus
East Lansing, MichiganLocationColumbus, Ohio
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$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
80%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,876
84.80 %Acceptance Rates60.57 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.78 %
1,260SAT Score1,400
28ACT Score30
81 %Graduation Rate88 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate94 %
52,089Student Population61,443
3,013Number of Faculties5,014
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, 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
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