Academic Comparison between OSU and MSU

Ohio State University-Main Campus and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. OSU is located in Columbus, OH and MSU is 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than OSU ($40,022).
  • It is harder to admit to OSU than MSU.
  • OSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,400) than MSU (1,260).
  • OSU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than MSU (28).
  • OSU has more students with 61,443 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • OSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 5,014 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ohio State University-Main Campusvs.Michigan State University
Columbus, OhioLocationEast Lansing, 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$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
62%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$12,876Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
60.57 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
21.78 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,400SAT Score1,260
30ACT Score28
88 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate90 %
61,443Student Population52,089
5,014Number of Faculties3,013
16 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
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