When deciding on a college, it’s essential to compare various aspects of the institutions you’re considering. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison between Michigan State University (MSU) and North Carolina State University (NC State), covering crucial factors such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes.
MSU Overview
Michigan State University, founded in 1855, is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. With a sprawling 5,200-acre campus, MSU is known for its commitment to research and academic excellence. The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its 17 colleges.
MSU Costs & Tuition
MSU’s tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are approximately $14,460 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $39,766. The estimated cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses, is roughly $27,784 for in-state students and $53,090 for out-of-state students.
MSU Admissions
MSU’s acceptance rate is around 71%, making it a moderately competitive institution. The university looks for a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and typically prefers applicants with an SAT score of 1000-1220 or an ACT score of 21-26.
MSU Degrees Offered
Michigan State University offers over 200 academic programs, including popular majors such as Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Communications. The university also provides graduate and professional degrees in fields like Law, Veterinary Medicine, and Education.
MSU Academics
MSU’s student-faculty ratio is 16:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their instructors. The university’s four-year graduation rate is 53%, while its six-year graduation rate is 79%.
MSU Diversity
MSU has a diverse student population, with 22% of students identifying as a race/ethnicity other than white. Additionally, 9% of students are international, representing over 130 countries.
MSU Students
MSU has approximately 39,176 undergraduate students and 11,122 graduate students, creating a total enrollment of 50,298. The university’s campus life includes over 900 student organizations, various recreational facilities, and many opportunities for students to engage in community service and leadership development.
MSU Campus
Michigan State University’s 5,200-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque landscapes, and numerous resources for students. The campus is equipped with extensive libraries, research centers, and recreational facilities, providing an enriching environment for academic and personal growth.
MSU Alumni
Notable MSU alumni include Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a former professional basketball player and entrepreneur, and Tom Izzo, a successful college basketball coach. MSU’s alumni network consists of over 500,000 individuals worldwide, offering ample networking opportunities for graduates.
MSU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, MSU ranks #80 in National Universities, #30 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #43 in Best Value Schools. The university also ranks highly for its programs in Education, Engineering, and Business.
MSU Outcomes
MSU boasts a strong employment rate, with 92% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MSU graduates is around $51,000.
NC State University Overview
North Carolina State University, established in 1887, is a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina. Known for its emphasis on innovation, NC State offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across its 12 colleges.
NC State Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at NC State can expect to pay approximately $9,101 in tuition and fees per year. Out-of-state students’ tuition and fees amount to around $29,220. The estimated cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and other expenses, is approximately $24,658 for in-state students and $44,777 for out-of-state students.
NC State Admissions
NC State has an acceptance rate of about 45%, making it a more competitive institution compared to MSU. The university typically looks for applicants with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and prefers an SAT score of 1250-1390 or an ACT score of 27-31.
NC State Degrees Offered
North Carolina State University offers more than 300 academic programs, with popular majors in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Biological Sciences. The university also provides graduate and professional degrees in fields like Veterinary Medicine, Design, and Education.
NC State Academics
NC State features a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 48% and a six-year graduation rate of 81%.
NC State Diversity
Approximately 24% of NC State’s student population identifies as a race/ethnicity other than white. Moreover, 7% of the students are international, representing over 120 countries.
NC State Students
NC State has a total enrollment of about 36,042 students, with 25,973 undergraduates and 10,069 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with over 700 student organizations, a variety of recreational facilities, and numerous opportunities for students to engage in leadership development and community service.
NC State Campus
North Carolina State University’s campus spans over 2,110 acres and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, lush landscapes, and abundant resources for students. The campus features extensive libraries, research centers, and recreational facilities, providing a stimulating environment for both academic and personal growth.
NC State Alumni
Notable NC State alumni include Zach Galifianakis, a successful comedian and actor, and Jim Goodnight, co-founder and CEO of SAS Institute. The university’s alumni network comprises more than 250,000 individuals worldwide, offering numerous networking opportunities for graduates.
NC State Rankings
NC State ranks #80 in National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university also ranks #30 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #43 in Best Value Schools, and highly for its programs in Engineering, Agriculture, and Business.
NC State Outcomes
NC State reports that 95% of its graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for NC State graduates is around $55,000.
MSU vs NC State Cost Comparison
In terms of costs, MSU is more expensive than NC State for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state students at MSU pay approximately $14,460 in tuition and fees, while at NC State, they pay roughly $9,101. Similarly, out-of-state students pay around $39,766 at MSU and $29,220 at NC State.
MSU vs NC State Admissions Difficulty
NC State has a more competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 45%, compared to MSU’s 71%. While both universities have a minimum high school GPA requirement of 3.0, NC State generally prefers higher standardized test scores compared to MSU.
MSU vs NC State Academic Difficulty
Both MSU and NC State offer rigorous academic programs and boast similar graduation rates. MSU has a four-year graduation rate of 53% and a six-year graduation rate of 79%, while NC State’s rates are 48% and 81%, respectively. The student-faculty ratios are also comparable, with MSU at 16:1 and NC State at 14:1.
MSU vs NC State Outcome Comparison
While both universities have strong outcomes, NC State has a slightly higher employment rate (95%) compared to MSU (92%) within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for NC State graduates is approximately $55,000, compared to MSU’s $51,000.
