Mississippi State University vs NC State University Introduction
When choosing a college, prospective students often consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare two well-known universities: Mississippi State University (MSU) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). We will provide an overview of each school, examine their costs and tuition, admissions processes, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campuses, alumni, rankings, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Mississippi State University Overview
Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. Established in 1878, MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its 12 colleges. The university is known for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs, as well as its commitment to research and community engagement.
Mississippi State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Mississippi State University varies based on whether students are residents of Mississippi or not. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state students can expect to pay around $8,910 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $24,790. Additionally, on-campus room and board costs around $10,300 per year.
Mississippi State University Admissions
MSU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The average ACT score for admitted students is 24, while the average SAT score is 1190.
Mississippi State University Degrees Offered
Mississippi State University offers a wide variety of degrees across its 12 colleges, including the Bagley College of Engineering, the College of Business, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Architecture, Art, and Design. MSU offers over 175 undergraduate degrees and more than 100 graduate degrees to its students.
Mississippi State University Academics
MSU emphasizes a well-rounded education and offers a variety of academic programs to meet students’ interests. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. Some of the most popular majors at MSU include Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Education, and Biological Sciences.
Mississippi State University Diversity
Mississippi State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 80 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and offers numerous resources, programs, and organizations to support this goal.
Mississippi State University Students
MSU has a student population of around 22,986, with approximately 18,792 undergraduate students and 4,194 graduate students. The university fosters a close-knit community with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities available for students to get involved in, both on and off-campus.
Mississippi State University Campus
The MSU campus spans over 4,200 acres and offers a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The university boasts modern classrooms, state-of-the-art research labs, and comfortable residence halls. In addition, MSU’s campus features extensive green spaces, walking trails, and other amenities that contribute to a vibrant campus life.
Mississippi State University Alumni
MSU has a strong alumni network, with over 150,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former NASA astronaut Fred Haise, NFL athlete Dak Prescott, and former U.S. Senator Trent Lott.
Mississippi State University Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Mississippi State University was ranked #105 in National Universities and #53 in Top Public Schools.
Mississippi State University Outcomes
MSU has a strong commitment to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of around 62%. The university offers numerous resources, such as career services and academic support, to help students achieve their goals. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for MSU graduates is $50,500, while the average mid-career salary is $91,800.
NC State University Overview
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a public research university situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, NCSU is part of the prestigious University of North Carolina System and is well-known for its engineering, textiles, and agricultural programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its 12 colleges.
NC State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at NC State University varies by residency, with North Carolina residents paying around $9,100 per year and non-residents paying around $29,220 per year for the 2021-2022 academic year. On-campus room and board costs are approximately $11,680 per year.
NC State University Admissions
Admissions at NC State University are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 45%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The average ACT score for admitted students is 30, while the average SAT score is 1390.
NC State University Degrees Offered
NCSU offers a wide range of degrees across its 12 colleges, including the College of Engineering, the College of Natural Resources, the College of Design, and the College of Textiles. The university offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs and over 200 graduate degree programs.
NC State University Academics
The academic programs at NCSU are focused on research and innovation, with the university being a leading institution in fields such as engineering, textiles, and natural resources. NCSU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, which allows for personalized attention and support.
NC State University Diversity
NC State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment and offers numerous resources, programs, and organizations to support diversity and inclusion.
NC State University Students
NCSU has a student population of approximately 36,157, with around 25,973 undergraduate students and 10,184 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities for students to get involved in, both on and off-campus.
NC State University Campus
The NCSU campus covers over 2,100 acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, and features state-of-the-art academic, residential, and recreational facilities. The campus is known for its beautiful green spaces, modern architecture, and strong sense of community.
NC State University Alumni
Notable alumni from NC State University include former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards, astronaut Christina Koch, and SAS Institute co-founder James Goodnight.
NC State University Rankings
In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, North Carolina State University was ranked #84 in National Universities and #33 in Top Public Schools.
NC State University Outcomes
NC State University has a strong commitment to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of around 81%. The university offers numerous resources and support services to help students achieve their goals. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for NCSU graduates is $55,200, while the average mid-career salary is $101,000.
Mississippi State University vs NC State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of Mississippi State University and NC State University, it is important to consider factors such as tuition, fees, and room and board expenses. For in-state students, MSU’s tuition and fees ($8,910) are slightly lower than NCSU’s ($9,100). However, for out-of-state students, MSU’s tuition and fees ($24,790) are significantly lower than NCSU’s ($29,220). Room and board expenses are also slightly lower at MSU ($10,300) compared to NCSU ($11,680).
Mississippi State University vs NC State University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Mississippi State University and NC State University are selective, with MSU having a 62% acceptance rate and NCSU having a 45% acceptance rate. The average ACT and SAT scores for admitted students at MSU are 24 and 1190, respectively, while they are 30 and 1390 at NCSU. This suggests that NCSU may be more difficult to gain admission to than MSU.
Mississippi State University vs NC State University Academic Difficulty
Both Mississippi State University and NC State University are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to research. While specific academic difficulty may vary depending on the program or major, both universities offer rigorous coursework and opportunities for research and innovation. The student-to-faculty ratios at MSU (17:1) and NCSU (14:1) suggest that students at both institutions can expect personalized attention and support from their professors.
Mississippi State University vs NC State University Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes of Mississippi State University and NC State University, it is important to consider factors such as graduation rates and post-graduation salaries. The six-year graduation rate at NCSU (81%) is significantly higher than that of MSU (62%). Additionally, the average early career salary for NCSU graduates ($55,200) is higher than that of MSU graduates ($50,500), as is the average mid-career salary ($101,000 at NCSU versus $91,800 at MSU).
In conclusion, both Mississippi State University and North Carolina State University offer strong academic programs, diverse campus environments, and numerous opportunities for student involvement. The choice between these two universities will largely depend on factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, specific program interests, and desired outcomes.
