Academic Comparison between UI and MSU

University of Iowa and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UI is located in Iowa City, IA 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 UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to UI than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than UI (1,230).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than UI (24).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while UI has 30,779 students.
  • UI has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while UI has 2,474 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Iowavs.Michigan State University
Iowa City, IowaLocationEast 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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
69%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$10,070Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
83.62 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
22.43 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,230SAT Score1,260
24ACT Score28
75 %Graduation Rate81 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate90 %
30,779Student Population52,089
2,474Number of Faculties3,013
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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