Academic Comparison between MSU and UIUC

Michigan State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and UIUC is located in Champaign, 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than UIUC ($40,096).
  • It is harder to admit to UIUC than MSU.
  • UIUC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • UIUC has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • UIUC has more students with 59,238 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while UIUC has 2,498 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
East Lansing, MichiganLocationChampaign, Illinois
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$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
80%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,924
84.80 %Acceptance Rates42.37 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.83 %
1,260SAT Score1,440
28ACT Score32
81 %Graduation Rate85 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate95 %
52,089Student Population59,238
3,013Number of Faculties2,498
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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