Academic Comparison between Northern Michigan and MSU

Northern Michigan University and Michigan 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 Northern Michigan ($19,944).
  • It is harder to admit to Northern Michigan than MSU.
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Northern Michigan has 7,409 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Northern Michigan's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Northern Michigan has 318 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northern Michigan Universityvs.Michigan State University
Marquette, MichiganLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$14,322
Out-Of-State$19,944
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
80%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$9,939Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
84.02 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
15.28 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
-SAT Score1,260
-ACT Score28
52 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
78 %Retention Rate90 %
7,409Student Population52,089
318Number of Faculties3,013
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services