Academic Comparison between MSU and UM-Ann Arbor

Michigan State University and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Michigan

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.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more expensive tuition & fees ($63,081) than MSU ($44,850).
  • It is harder to admit to UM-Ann Arbor than MSU.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more students with 52,855 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • UM-Ann Arbor has more full-time faculties with 7,096 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
East Lansing, MichiganLocationAnn Arbor, Michigan
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$18,848
Out-Of-State$63,081
80%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,050
84.80 %Acceptance Rates15.64 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)47.34 %
1,260SAT Score1,460
28ACT Score33
81 %Graduation Rate93 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate97 %
52,089Student Population52,855
3,013Number of Faculties7,096
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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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