Academic Comparison between Purdue and MSU

Purdue University-Main Campus and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN 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 Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to Purdue than MSU.
  • Purdue has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than MSU (1,260).
  • Purdue has higher submitted ACT score (31) than MSU (28).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while MSU has 52,089 students.
  • Purdue 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 Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.Michigan State University
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationEast 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
43%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
49.87 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,350SAT Score1,260
31ACT Score28
83 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate90 %
58,658Student Population52,089
2,107Number of Faculties3,013
14 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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