Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two great options like Michigan State University (MSU) and Central Michigan University (CMU). This article aims to help you make an informed decision by comparing both universities in terms of costs, admissions, academics, and more.
MSU Overview
Michigan State University is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 1855, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States and is renowned for its strong research programs and diverse student body. MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, engineering, and social sciences, among others.
MSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at MSU for in-state students is approximately $14,524 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $39,830 annually. Other costs, such as room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses, can add an additional $15,000 to $20,000 per year. Financial aid is available for qualifying students, with over 60% of students receiving some form of aid.
MSU Admissions
Admission to MSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 71%. Prospective students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and the average high school GPA for admitted students is around 3.7. SAT and ACT scores are also considered in the admissions process, with average scores of 1210 and 26, respectively.
MSU Degrees Offered
MSU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, such as agriculture, business, education, engineering, and social sciences. Some of the most popular majors at MSU include business administration, communication, engineering, and natural resources.
MSU Academics
Michigan State University is recognized for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. With a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, MSU fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can easily interact with faculty members. The university also has several research centers and institutes that provide opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.
MSU Diversity
MSU is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse campus community. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion include scholarships, mentorship programs, and cultural centers.
MSU Students
MSU has a total enrollment of over 50,000 students, including approximately 39,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate students. The campus offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to get involved in, including Greek life, sports clubs, and community service opportunities.
MSU Campus
Michigan State University’s campus spans 5,200 acres, making it one of the largest college campuses in the United States. The campus features numerous academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities, as well as beautiful green spaces and natural areas. Additionally, the campus is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
MSU Alumni
MSU has a strong alumni network, with more than 500,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include NBA star Magic Johnson, former US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, and journalist David Muir.
MSU Rankings
Michigan State University is consistently ranked highly among national and international universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks MSU at #85 among national universities and #34 among public universities in the United States.
MSU Outcomes
MSU has a strong record of preparing its graduates for success in their careers. According to the university, 92% of recent graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Additionally, MSU graduates have a median starting salary of $48,000.
Central Michigan University Overview
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Founded in 1892, CMU offers more than 200 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. CMU is known for its strong programs in education, business, and health sciences, among others.
Central Michigan University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at CMU for in-state students is approximately $12,960 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $24,120 annually. Additional costs, such as room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses, can add another $15,000 to $20,000 per year. Financial aid is available for qualifying students, with around 77% of students receiving some form of aid.
Central Michigan University Admissions
Admission to CMU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 69%. The university requires a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for consideration, and the average high school GPA for admitted students is around 3.3. SAT and ACT scores are also considered in the admissions process, with average scores of 1090 and 23, respectively.
Central Michigan University Degrees Offered
CMU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including education, business, health sciences, and humanities. Some of the most popular majors at CMU are business administration, education, psychology, and health sciences.
Central Michigan University Academics
Central Michigan University is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. CMU also offers numerous research and experiential learning opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Central Michigan University Diversity
CMU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. CMU offers numerous programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and cultural centers.
Central Michigan University Students
CMU has a total enrollment of around 21,000 students, including approximately 16,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The campus offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to get involved in, including Greek life, sports clubs, and community service opportunities.
Central Michigan University Campus
The CMU campus spans 480 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, as well as numerous recreational facilities and green spaces. The campus also has several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, providing students with opportunities for enrichment and engagement.
Central Michigan University Alumni
CMU has a strong alumni network, with more than 235,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include actor and comedian Jeff Daniels, former NFL player Antonio Brown, and former US Congressman Dave Camp.
Central Michigan University Rankings
Central Michigan University is consistently ranked highly among national universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks CMU at #249 among national universities and #121 among public universities in the United States.
Central Michigan University Outcomes
Central Michigan University has a strong record of preparing its graduates for success in their careers. According to the university, 91% of recent graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Additionally, CMU graduates have a median starting salary of around $45,000.
MSU vs Central Michigan University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending MSU and CMU, there are some key differences to consider. In-state tuition at MSU is slightly higher than at CMU, at $14,524 compared to $12,960 per year. However, out-of-state tuition at MSU is significantly higher than at CMU, at $39,830 compared to $24,120 per year. Both universities have similar additional costs, such as room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. Additionally, both institutions offer financial aid to qualifying students.
MSU vs Central Michigan University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both MSU and CMU are moderately competitive, with acceptance rates of around 71% and 69%, respectively. MSU has slightly higher average high school GPA and standardized test score requirements for admitted students compared to CMU. Students aiming for admission at either university should focus on maintaining a strong GPA and performing well on standardized tests.
MSU vs Central Michigan University Academic Difficulty
Both MSU and CMU offer strong academic programs and opportunities for research and experiential learning. MSU is generally considered to have a more rigorous and competitive academic environment, with higher average high school GPA and standardized test score requirements for admitted students. However, both universities provide students with the support and resources needed to succeed academically.
MSU vs Central Michigan University Outcome Comparison
Comparing the outcomes for graduates of MSU and CMU, both universities have high post-graduation success rates, with 92% and 91% of recent graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, respectively. MSU graduates have a slightly higher median starting salary at $48,000 compared to $45,000 for CMU graduates. Both universities have strong alumni networks and a history of producing successful graduates.
In conclusion, both Michigan State University and Central Michigan University offer excellent educational opportunities and strong post-graduation outcomes. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, and career outcomes when making their decision.
