When considering higher education, it’s essential to compare various aspects of different institutions to determine the best fit. In this article, we will compare two prominent universities: Illinois State University (ISU) and Michigan State University (MSU). Each section provides an in-depth analysis of various factors, such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you should have a better understanding of the differences and similarities between these two schools and which one might be the perfect fit for you.
ISU Overview
Illinois State University is a public institution located in Normal, Illinois. Established in 1857, ISU has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing quality education. The university offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges. With a diverse student population of over 20,000, ISU promotes an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
ISU Costs & Tuition
Tuition rates at ISU are determined by residency status, with in-state students paying approximately $14,832 per year and out-of-state students paying approximately $26,356 per year. Additional expenses, such as housing, dining, and transportation, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $29,458 for in-state students and $40,982 for out-of-state students.
ISU Admissions
Admission to ISU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 82%. Prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a personal statement. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen at ISU is 3.4, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1120 and 24, respectively.
ISU Degrees Offered
ISU offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Fine Arts, Nursing, and Applied Science and Technology. The university is well-known for its programs in education, business, and the arts, as well as its commitment to research and community engagement.
ISU Academics
Academic life at ISU is characterized by a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized attention and meaningful interactions between students and professors. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research experiences.
ISU Diversity
ISU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity both on campus and within its academic programs. The university boasts a diverse student body, with 29% of students identifying as part of a racial or ethnic minority. ISU also offers numerous resources for students of various backgrounds, such as the Multicultural Center and the LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute.
ISU Students
ISU’s student population consists of over 20,000 students, with approximately 18,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 350 student organizations, Greek life, and NCAA Division I athletics.
ISU Campus
ISU’s campus spans over 1,110 acres and features a blend of historic and modern architecture. The university provides numerous resources for students, such as state-of-the-art academic facilities, modern residence halls, and a variety of dining options.
ISU Alumni
Notable ISU alumni include actor Sean Hayes, NASA astronaut Terry Virts, and former Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson II. The university maintains a strong alumni network, with over 215,000 alumni worldwide.
ISU Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks ISU as the #105 National Public University and #220 on the overall list of National Universities.
ISU Outcomes
The outcomes for ISU graduates are promising, with a 72% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $43,000 for recent alumni.
MSU Overview
Michigan State University is a public institution located in East Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 1855, MSU is a well-respected research university with a diverse student body of over 50,000. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 17 colleges.
MSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition rates at MSU vary based on residency status. In-state students pay approximately $14,460 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $39,766 per year. Additional expenses, such as housing, dining, and transportation, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $29,226 for in-state students and $54,532 for out-of-state students.
MSU Admissions
Admission at MSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 71%. Prospective students must submit an application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and a personal statement. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen at MSU is 3.7, while the average SAT and ACT scores are 1200 and 26, respectively.
MSU Degrees Offered
MSU offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 17 colleges, including Arts and Letters, Business, Communication Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Natural Science. The university is especially well-known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering.
MSU Academics
Academic life at MSU features a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The university emphasizes research opportunities, internships, and study abroad experiences to enhance students’ educational experience.
MSU Diversity
MSU is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus and within its academic programs. The university’s student body is diverse, with 25% of students identifying as part of a racial or ethnic minority. MSU offers a range of resources for students from various backgrounds, such as the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions and the Multicultural Center.
MSU Students
MSU has a thriving student community, with over 50,000 students, including approximately 39,000 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including over 900 student organizations, Greek life, and NCAA Division I athletics.
MSU Campus
MSU’s campus covers more than 5,200 acres and features a mix of historic and contemporary architecture. The university provides various resources for students, including state-of-the-art academic facilities, residence halls, and numerous dining options.
MSU Alumni
Notable MSU alumni include NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former NFL player Plaxico Burress, and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. MSU has a strong alumni network, with over 580,000 alumni worldwide.
MSU Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks MSU as the #35 National Public University and #84 on the overall list of National Universities.
MSU Outcomes
MSU graduates have a 79% graduation rate and an average starting salary of $49,000 for recent alumni.
ISU vs MSU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending ISU and MSU, it’s essential to consider both tuition and additional expenses. For in-state students, ISU and MSU have similar tuition rates at $14,832 and $14,460, respectively. However, out-of-state students pay significantly more at MSU ($39,766) compared to ISU ($26,356). Overall, the total estimated cost of attendance is slightly higher at MSU ($29,226 for in-state students and $54,532 for out-of-state students) than at ISU ($29,458 for in-state students and $40,982 for out-of-state students).
ISU vs MSU Admissions Difficulty
Both ISU and MSU have moderately competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 82% and 71%, respectively. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is slightly higher at MSU (3.7) than at ISU (3.4). Additionally, the average SAT and ACT scores for MSU (1200 and 26) are higher than those for ISU (1120 and 24).
ISU vs MSU Academic Difficulty
Academic difficulty may vary based on the specific program and individual student experience at each university. However, both ISU and MSU have relatively low student-to-faculty ratios (19:1 and 16:1, respectively), indicating that students may receive personalized attention and support from faculty. Additionally, both universities emphasize experiential learning through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
ISU vs MSU Outcome Comparison
In comparing the outcomes for graduates of ISU and MSU, it’s essential to consider factors such as graduation rates and starting salaries. MSU has a slightly higher graduation rate (79%) than ISU (72%) and a higher average starting salary for recent alumni ($49,000 vs. $43,000). These factors may suggest that MSU graduates have a slight advantage in the job market and future earnings potential.
In conclusion, both Illinois State University and Michigan State University are reputable institutions with unique offerings and strengths. The best choice for prospective students will depend on individual preferences, goals, and financial considerations. By comparing costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, students can make an informed decision about their higher education journey.
