Deciding between two universities can be a challenging task. In this comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at Michigan State University (MSU) and Kent State University at Kent to help you make an informed decision. We’ll discuss the schools’ overviews, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
MSU Overview
Michigan State University (MSU), founded in 1855, is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU is well-known for its strong programs in business, education, engineering, and agriculture. With over 50,000 students enrolled, MSU offers a diverse and vibrant community for its students.
MSU Costs & Tuition
MSU’s tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $14,524 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $39,830. Room and board expenses are estimated to be $10,522 per year. Financial aid is available, with approximately 65% of MSU students receiving some form of aid.
MSU Admissions
MSU has an acceptance rate of 71%, making it a moderately selective university. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1100 and 1320 and an ACT score between 23 and 29.
MSU Degrees Offered
MSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various disciplines, such as business, education, engineering, agriculture, and the arts. The university also has a strong emphasis on research and offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects.
MSU Academics
MSU is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, offering students a personalized learning experience. Additionally, MSU has a 4-year graduation rate of 54% and a 6-year graduation rate of 80%.
MSU Diversity
MSU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. It has a diverse student body, with students representing 50 states and 138 countries. MSU also offers various programs and initiatives to support underrepresented students and foster an inclusive environment.
MSU Students
MSU has an enrollment of over 50,000 students, with an undergraduate population of approximately 39,000. Students at MSU are involved in various clubs, organizations, and sports, creating a vibrant campus community. The university also has a strong Greek system, with over 60 fraternities and sororities.
MSU Campus
MSU’s campus spans over 5,200 acres, making it one of the largest campuses in the US. The campus features numerous academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. MSU also has a variety of dining options and a strong sustainability program, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.
MSU Alumni
MSU has a large and active alumni network, with over 500,000 living alumni. Notable alumni include basketball player Magic Johnson, former US Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, and actor James Caan.
MSU Rankings
MSU is ranked #86 in National Universities and #35 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
MSU Outcomes
MSU boasts a strong employment and graduate school placement rate, with 94% of graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MSU graduates is $50,000 per year.
Kent State University at Kent Overview
Kent State University at Kent, founded in 1910, is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio. It offers a wide range of academic programs and has a strong focus on research and innovation. With over 27,000 students enrolled, Kent State provides a diverse and engaging community for its students.
Kent State Costs & Tuition
For in-state undergraduate students, tuition and fees at Kent State are approximately $10,602 per year. Out-of-state students pay around $19,478 per year. Room and board costs are estimated to be $11,766 per year. Financial aid is available, with around 77% of students receiving some form of assistance.
Kent State Admissions
Kent State has an acceptance rate of 85%, making it a less selective university compared to MSU. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1070 and 1260 and an ACT score between 21 and 27.
Kent State Degrees Offered
Kent State offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines, including business, education, engineering, and the arts. The university is also home to the Kent State University Press, which publishes scholarly and creative works in various fields.
Kent State Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, Kent State provides a supportive academic environment for its students. The university has a 4-year graduation rate of 35% and a 6-year graduation rate of 60%.
Kent State Diversity
Kent State is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body represents all 50 states and over 100 countries. Kent State also offers various resources, programs, and initiatives to support underrepresented students and promote inclusivity on campus.
Kent State Students
With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, Kent State offers a vibrant and dynamic campus life. Students have access to more than 400 clubs and organizations, as well as various sports and recreational activities. The university also has a strong Greek system, with over 30 fraternities and sororities.
Kent State Campus
Kent State’s campus covers 950 acres and features a range of academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The university has numerous dining options and is committed to sustainability, with various environmentally-friendly initiatives in place.
Kent State Alumni
Kent State has a large alumni network, with notable alumni including fashion designer Michael Kors, actress Chrissy Metz, and musician Joe Walsh.
Kent State Rankings
Kent State is ranked #246 in National Universities and #121 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Kent State Outcomes
Kent State has a strong employment and graduate school placement rate, with 91% of graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Kent State graduates is $37,900 per year.
MSU vs Kent State Cost Comparison
MSU has a higher tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to Kent State. However, room and board expenses are slightly lower at MSU. Both universities offer financial aid options to assist students with expenses.
MSU vs Kent State Admissions Difficulty
Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than MSU (71%), making it less selective. However, MSU admits students with slightly higher test scores, indicating a somewhat more competitive applicant pool.
MSU vs Kent State Academic Difficulty
MSU has a higher 4-year and 6-year graduation rate than Kent State, suggesting that MSU may provide better academic support for its students. Additionally, MSU has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, which may contribute to a more personalized learning experience.
MSU vs Kent State Outcome Comparison
MSU graduates have a higher employment and graduate school placement rate and earn higher starting salaries than Kent State graduates. This suggests that MSU may provide better overall career preparation and opportunities for its students.