Academic Comparison between Northwestern and MSU

Northwestern University and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and MSU is a four-year, public school located in East Lansing, MI.

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.

  • Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) and MSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than MSU ($44,850).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than MSU.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than MSU (1,260).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Northwestern MSU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Michigan State University
Evanston, IllinoisLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,3222025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
52%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
7.69 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,540SAT Score1,260
34ACT Score28
95 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate90 %
23,856Student Population52,089
2,442Number of Faculties3,013
6 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
More Rivals