Academic Comparison between MSU and UI

Michigan State University and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

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 UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to UI than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than UI (1,230).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than UI (24).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while UI has 30,779 students.
  • UI has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while UI has 2,474 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Iowa
East Lansing, MichiganLocationIowa City, Iowa
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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
80%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,070
84.80 %Acceptance Rates83.62 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.43 %
1,260SAT Score1,230
28ACT Score24
81 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
90 %Retention Rate90 %
52,089Student Population30,779
3,013Number of Faculties2,474
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, 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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