Academic Comparison between MSU and Purdue

Michigan State University and Purdue 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 Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN.

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 Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Purdue than MSU.
  • Purdue has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • Purdue has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • Purdue has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Purdue University-Main Campus
East Lansing, MichiganLocationWest Lafayette, Indiana
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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
80%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,408
84.80 %Acceptance Rates49.87 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.20 %
1,260SAT Score1,350
28ACT Score31
81 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate93 %
52,089Student Population58,658
3,013Number of Faculties2,107
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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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