Academic Comparison between MSU and WSU

Michigan State University and Wayne State University 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.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than WSU ($34,650).
  • It is harder to admit to WSU than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than WSU (1,150).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than WSU (26).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while WSU has 23,803 students.
  • WSU 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 WSU has 1,472 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Wayne State University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationDetroit, 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$16,159
Out-Of-State$34,650
80%% Receiving Financial Aid78%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,661
84.80 %Acceptance Rates81.16 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.39 %
1,260SAT Score1,150
28ACT Score26
81 %Graduation Rate58 %
-Transfer-out Rate21 %
90 %Retention Rate83 %
52,089Student Population23,803
3,013Number of Faculties1,472
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