Choosing the right university can significantly impact your future career, personal growth, and financial stability. In this article, we will explore and compare two universities, Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), to help you make an informed decision.
Mississippi State University (MSU) Overview
Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. Founded in 1878, MSU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university boasts strong research capabilities, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and natural resources.
MSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at MSU is relatively affordable compared to other institutions in the United States. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition is $8,910 for in-state students and $24,790 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs are estimated at $10,332 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for eligible students.
MSU Admissions
Admissions at MSU are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 54% as of Fall 2021. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.5, and the average ACT score is 25. Prospective students are encouraged to complete a rigorous high school curriculum and to submit their application well before the deadline to maximize their chances of acceptance.
MSU Degrees Offered
MSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, agriculture, business, education, and the liberal arts. In addition, MSU provides students with numerous research opportunities, internships, and cooperative education to help them gain practical experience in their chosen fields.
MSU Academics
MSU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and natural resources. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers more than 175 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. In addition to traditional classroom learning, students at MSU have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories.
MSU Diversity
Mississippi State University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university’s student body is approximately 58% white, 25% African American, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 9% from other backgrounds. MSU has numerous programs and resources aimed at supporting underrepresented students and promoting diversity and inclusion.
MSU Students
As of Fall 2021, MSU has a total student body of approximately 22,986, with 18,792 undergraduate students and 4,194 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to engage in, including sports, music, theater, and community service.
MSU Campus
The MSU campus spans over 4,200 acres and features a blend of historic and modern buildings. The campus offers various amenities, including state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, residence halls, dining options, and recreational facilities. In addition, MSU has a vibrant campus life, with numerous events and activities for students to enjoy throughout the year.
MSU Alumni
MSU has a strong alumni network, with over 150,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Trent Lott, author John Grisham, and former NFL player Jerry Rice. The Mississippi State University Alumni Association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected and support current students.
MSU Rankings
Mississippi State University consistently ranks among the nation’s top public universities. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, MSU is ranked #106 in National Universities and #54 in Top Public Schools.
MSU Outcomes
MSU is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their careers. The university’s graduation rate is 62%, and the average starting salary for MSU graduates is around $46,000. MSU has a strong placement rate for graduates, with many securing positions in their chosen fields or pursuing further education.
University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Overview
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is a public research university located in Huntsville, Alabama. Established in 1950, UAH has grown to become one of the top public universities in the nation, with strong programs in engineering, science, and business. UAH is particularly known for its research collaborations with the nearby NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal.
UAH Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UAH is relatively affordable compared to other institutions in the United States. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition is $11,338 for in-state students and $23,206 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs are estimated at $11,750 per year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for eligible students.
UAH Admissions
Admissions at UAH are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 83% as of Fall 2021. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.85, and the average ACT score is 27. Prospective students are encouraged to complete a rigorous high school curriculum and submit their application well before the deadline to maximize their chances of acceptance.
UAH Degrees Offered
UAH offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, science, business, liberal arts, and nursing. The university’s strong connections with the nearby NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal provide students with unique research and internship opportunities.
UAH Academics
UAH is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, science, and business. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers more than 100 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. In addition to traditional classroom learning, students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories.
UAH Diversity
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university’s student body is approximately 68% white, 14% African American, 6% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and 7% from other backgrounds. UAH has numerous programs and resources aimed at supporting underrepresented students and promoting diversity and inclusion.
UAH Students
As of Fall 2021, UAH has a total student body of approximately 10,000, with 7,956 undergraduate students and 2,044 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to engage in, including sports, music, theater, and community service.
UAH Campus
The UAH campus covers over 500 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings. The campus offers various amenities, including state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, residence halls, dining options, and recreational facilities. UAH has a vibrant campus life, with numerous events and activities for students to enjoy throughout the year.
UAH Alumni
UAH has a strong alumni network, with over 45,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former NASA astronaut Jan Davis, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and cybersecurity expert Dr. Gary Warner. The University of Alabama in Huntsville Alumni Association offers various resources and networking opportunities for graduates to stay connected and support current students.
UAH Rankings
The University of Alabama in Huntsville consistently ranks among the nation’s top public universities. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, UAH is ranked #227 in National Universities and #122 in Top Public Schools.
UAH Outcomes
UAH is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their careers. The university’s graduation rate is 59%, and the average starting salary for UAH graduates is around $52,000. UAH has a strong placement rate for graduates, with many securing positions in their chosen fields or pursuing further education.
Mississippi State University (MSU) vs University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), there are several factors to consider. For in-state students, MSU has a lower tuition rate at $8,910 per year, compared to UAH’s $11,338. However, out-of-state students will find UAH to have a slightly lower tuition rate at $23,206, compared to MSU’s $24,790.
Room and board costs are also slightly different between the two institutions. MSU’s estimated room and board costs for the 2021-2022 academic year are $10,332, while UAH’s costs are higher at $11,750. Both schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and grants for eligible students to offset these costs.
MSU vs UAH Admissions Difficulty
While both universities have competitive admission processes, UAH has a higher acceptance rate at 83% compared to MSU’s 54% rate. The average high school GPA for admitted students at UAH is 3.85, and the average ACT score is 27, while MSU’s admitted students have an average GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25. This indicates that UAH may be slightly less difficult to gain admission to, but students are still encouraged to complete a rigorous high school curriculum and submit their application early to maximize their chances of acceptance at both institutions.
MSU vs UAH Academic Difficulty
Both Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) are well-regarded institutions with strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, science, and business. While direct comparisons of academic difficulty are challenging to make, students at both universities can expect to be challenged in their coursework and will have access to valuable research, internship, and cooperative education opportunities.
Each university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring a high standard of education at both institutions. Students should consider their individual academic interests and goals when deciding between MSU and UAH.
MSU vs UAH Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes of graduates from Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), there are some differences to consider. MSU has a slightly higher graduation rate at 62%, compared to UAH’s 59%. However, the average starting salary for UAH graduates is higher at $52,000, compared to MSU graduates’ $46,000.
Both universities have strong placement rates for graduates, with many securing positions in their chosen fields or pursuing further education. Ultimately, students should consider their individual career goals and the specific programs offered at each institution when deciding between MSU and UAH.
