In this article, we will compare and contrast two renowned universities: Purdue University-West Lafayette and Michigan State University (MSU). We will analyze various aspects of each institution, such as costs and tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the critical differences between these two schools and which may be a better fit for you.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Overview
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public research university founded in 1869. Known for its strong engineering and science programs, Purdue provides a diverse range of academic options and research opportunities for its students. With over 45,000 students, Purdue has a vast campus and a vibrant student life, offering numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Costs & Tuition
As a public university, Purdue offers competitive tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state tuition is approximately $9,992, while out-of-state tuition is $28,794. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and other fees, bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $23,032 for in-state students and $41,834 for out-of-state students.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Admissions
Admission to Purdue University is considered moderately competitive. The acceptance rate for the Fall 2020 semester was around 60%. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, with an average high school GPA of around 3.7. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1180 and 1410 on the SAT and between 25 and 33 on the ACT.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Degrees Offered
Purdue University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. With ten colleges and schools, students can choose from over 200 undergraduate programs and more than 70 master’s and doctoral programs. Some of the most popular majors at Purdue include Engineering, Business, Health Professions, Agriculture, and Liberal Arts.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Academics
Purdue is renowned for its strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, particularly engineering. The university has a global reputation for innovation and research, with extensive research facilities and labs available to students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, Purdue offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Diversity
Purdue University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. With students from all 50 states and over 130 countries, Purdue boasts a multicultural and diverse student population. The university offers numerous support services and resources for students of different backgrounds, including cultural centers, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Students
With over 45,000 students, Purdue has a vibrant and active student body. The university offers numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities to cater to various interests. Students can participate in over 1,000 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional clubs to recreational sports and cultural groups.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Campus
Purdue’s campus in West Lafayette is one of the largest in the United States, covering more than 2,600 acres. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and sports complexes. Students can also enjoy various amenities such as dining halls, libraries, and fitness centers, as well as a wide array of on-campus housing options.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Alumni
Purdue’s alumni network is vast and influential, with over 450,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable Purdue alumni include astronauts Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, basketball player Larry Bird, and entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher. The university’s alumni association provides resources and opportunities for networking, career development, and lifelong learning.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Rankings
Purdue consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Purdue is ranked 53rd among National Universities and 17th among public institutions. The university’s engineering program is especially well-regarded, with a ranking of 9th among undergraduate engineering programs.
Purdue University-West Lafayette Outcomes
Purdue University boasts a strong record of student success and outcomes. The university has a six-year graduation rate of around 81% and a freshman retention rate of approximately 92%. According to Payscale, the early career salary for Purdue graduates is around $60,000, while the mid-career salary is approximately $107,000.
Michigan State University Overview
Michigan State University (MSU) is a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 1855, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States, with a student population of over 50,000. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is particularly known for its strong business, education, and agriculture programs.
Michigan State University Costs & Tuition
MSU offers competitive tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state tuition is approximately $14,460, while out-of-state tuition is $39,766. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and other fees, bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $27,500 for in-state students and $52,806 for out-of-state students.
Michigan State University Admissions
Admission to Michigan State University is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 71% for the Fall 2020 semester. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, with an average high school GPA of around 3.7. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1100 and 1320 on the SAT and between 23 and 29 on the ACT.
Michigan State University Degrees Offered
Michigan State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. With 17 degree-granting colleges, students can choose from over 200 undergraduate programs and more than 200 master’s and doctoral programs. Some of the most popular majors at MSU include Business, Education, Social Sciences, Agriculture, and Engineering.
Michigan State University Academics
MSU is known for its strong business, education, and agriculture programs, as well as its commitment to research and innovation. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, providing a supportive learning environment with personalized attention from faculty. In addition, MSU offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance students’ academic and professional development.
Michigan State University Diversity
Michigan State University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. With students from all 50 states and over 130 countries, MSU has a diverse and multicultural student population. The university offers various support services and resources for students of different backgrounds, including cultural centers, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
Michigan State University Students
With a student population of over 50,000, MSU has a vibrant and active student community. The university offers more than 900 student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities to cater to various interests. Students can participate in academic and professional clubs, recreational sports, cultural groups, and community service opportunities.
Michigan State University Campus
MSU’s campus in East Lansing is one of the largest in the United States, covering more than 5,200 acres. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and sports complexes. Students can also enjoy various amenities such as dining halls, libraries, and fitness centers, as well as a wide array of on-campus housing options.
Michigan State University Alumni
Michigan State University’s alumni network is vast and influential, with over 540,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable MSU alumni include basketball player Magic Johnson, journalist and news anchor Jemele Hill, and former Michigan Governor John Engler. The university’s alumni association provides resources and opportunities for networking, career development, and lifelong learning.
Michigan State University Rankings
Michigan State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, MSU is ranked 83rd among National Universities and 33rd among public institutions. The university’s business program, in particular, is well-regarded, with a ranking of 24th among undergraduate business programs.
Michigan State University Outcome
Michigan State University boasts a strong record of student success and outcomes. The university has a six-year graduation rate of around 81% and a freshman retention rate of approximately 91%. According to Payscale, the early career salary for MSU graduates is around $53,000, while the mid-career salary is approximately $101,000.
Purdue University-West Lafayette vs Michigan State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Purdue University-West Lafayette and Michigan State University, there are some noticeable differences. In-state tuition at Purdue is significantly lower than at MSU, at $9,992 compared to $14,460. On the other hand, out-of-state tuition is slightly lower at Purdue, at $28,794 compared to $39,766 at MSU. However, the overall cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and other fees, is fairly similar between the two universities.
Purdue University-West Lafayette vs Michigan State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Purdue University-West Lafayette and Michigan State University have moderately competitive admissions processes. Purdue has a slightly lower acceptance rate (60%) compared to MSU (71%). However, the average high school GPA and standardized test scores of admitted students are similar between the two universities. Ultimately, the admissions difficulty at both schools is relatively comparable.
Purdue University-West Lafayette vs Michigan State University Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic difficulty, both Purdue University-West Lafayette and Michigan State University offer rigorous and competitive academic programs. While Purdue is renowned for its strong engineering and STEM programs, MSU is known for its business, education, and agriculture programs. Both universities provide numerous research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance students’ academic and professional development.
Purdue University-West Lafayette vs Michigan State University Outcome Comparison
Both Purdue University-West Lafayette and Michigan State University boast strong records of student success and outcomes. The graduation rates, freshman retention rates, and alumni networks are similar between the two universities. However, Purdue graduates tend to have slightly higher early career and mid-career salaries compared to MSU graduates.
