Clemson University vs Michigan State University (MSU)

Clemson University and Michigan State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Clemson, nestled in the vibrant city of Clemson, South Carolina, boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its selectivity. Its student body is predominantly White, with a significant international presence. In contrast, Michigan State University, located in the bustling city of East Lansing, Michigan, has a higher acceptance rate, reflecting its commitment to accessibility. Its student body is more diverse, with a larger proportion of African American and Hispanic students. While Clemson excels in engineering and agriculture, Michigan State shines in business and communication. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with a range of student organizations and athletic programs. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Clemson University	Michigan State University
Overview
Location	Clemson, South Carolina	East Lansing, Michigan
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	49.2%	83.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $80	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1220 - 1420	1100 - 1320
ACT range	27 - 32	23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	40.0%	48.0%
Students submitting ACT score	30.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	47,007	50,630
Total number of admissions given out	23,138	42,150
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,593	9,225
Yield rate	19.9%	21.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $34,164 Out of state: $57,156	In state: $29,734 Out of state: $55,546
Average net price	$23,732	$8,738
Tuition	In state: $14,118 Out of state: $37,110	In state: $14,750 Out of state: $40,562
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,808 Meal plan: $4,426	Room/dormitory: $4,408 Meal plan: $6,268
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	81.0% Average amount $9,699	58.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	41.0% Average amount $5,281	34.0% Average amount $4,999
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $21,664	6.0% Average amount $18,093

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,653 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%	38,574 Men 48.4% Women 51.6%
Graduate students	5,688 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%	11,085 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	48.4%	18.7%
International students	4.8%	8.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	7,800	17,463
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	South Carolina North Carolina Georgia New Jersey New York	Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Education Health Professions Agriculture	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Health Professions Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	85.5%	82.1%
Dropout rate	2.3%	7.8%
Transferred out	11.3%	9.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,776 Year 2: $90,762 Year 3: $98,373 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,762 Year 2: $69,079 Year 3: $82,921 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,898 Year 2: $74,262 Year 3: $80,104 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,368 Year 2: $74,721 Year 3: $78,362 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,182 Year 2: $68,592 Year 3: $76,236 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,048 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $76,070 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,632 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $74,017 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,398 Year 2: $66,673 Year 3: $73,905 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,136 Year 2: $66,206 Year 3: $73,720 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,228 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $73,643	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $126,500 Year 2: $123,886 Year 3: $132,790 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,863 Year 2: $98,481 Year 3: $108,546 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,313 Year 2: $89,435 Year 3: $101,511 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,361 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $100,492 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $97,714 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $79,294 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,263 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,609 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $92,316 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,457 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $91,721 Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,178 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $89,761 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,462 Year 2: $80,133 Year 3: $84,869

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Clemson University and Michigan State University?

Clemson University is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and architecture, benefiting from its land-grant heritage and focus on applied research. Michigan State University, as a large public research university, offers a broader range of programs, including renowned programs in education, business, and communication arts and sciences. MSU also has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and a significant presence in the humanities and social sciences.
How do the campus environments of Clemson and Michigan State compare?

Clemson University offers a more compact and traditionally Southern campus environment, known for its beautiful scenery, including Lake Hartwell, and a strong sense of community. Michigan State University boasts a vast, sprawling campus with a more diverse student body and a wider array of activities and events. MSU's campus features historic buildings, extensive green spaces, and a more urban feel compared to Clemson's more rural setting.
What are the athletic programs like at Clemson and Michigan State?

Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs. Clemson is nationally recognized for its football program, consistently ranking among the top teams in the country. Michigan State also has a strong football program, along with a prominent basketball program that has achieved national success. Both schools offer a wide range of other varsity sports, fostering a strong sense of school spirit and community engagement.
What is the cost of attendance at Clemson and Michigan State?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and specific program fees. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for public institutions. However, it's essential to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition, fees, and financial aid information, as these figures can change annually. Consider factors like room and board, books, and personal expenses when budgeting.
How does the student life experience differ between Clemson and Michigan State?

Clemson offers a close-knit student life experience with a strong emphasis on traditions and a vibrant campus culture centered around athletics and outdoor activities. Michigan State provides a more diverse and expansive student life, with a wider range of student organizations, cultural events, and a more urban-influenced social scene. Both universities offer ample opportunities for student involvement, but the specific experiences will vary based on individual preferences.
What are the career prospects for graduates of Clemson and Michigan State?

Graduates from both universities are highly sought after by employers. Clemson graduates often find opportunities in engineering, agriculture, architecture, and related fields, particularly in the Southeast. Michigan State graduates have access to a broader range of career paths, with strong opportunities in education, business, communication, and various other fields across the country and internationally. Career services at both universities provide resources for job searching, internships, and career development.
How do the research opportunities compare at Clemson and Michigan State?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Michigan State, being a larger university, generally has a more extensive research portfolio across a wider range of disciplines. Clemson excels in specific areas like engineering and agriculture, providing focused research opportunities in those fields. Students should explore faculty research interests and available labs to find the best fit for their academic goals.
What are the admission requirements for Clemson and Michigan State?

Admission requirements for both universities typically include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Both universities are becoming increasingly test-optional. Specific requirements and deadlines can vary, so it's crucial to consult the official admissions websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Admission to both universities is competitive, so a well-rounded application is essential.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or business?

Clemson is particularly well-regarded for its engineering programs, offering strong specializations and industry connections. Michigan State's Broad College of Business is highly ranked and provides a comprehensive business education. The best choice depends on the specific program and the student's individual preferences. Research the faculty, curriculum, and resources available within each department to determine which university aligns best with your academic interests and career goals.
How does the location of Clemson and Michigan State impact the student experience?

Clemson's location in the foothills of South Carolina provides access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, and camping. The town of Clemson offers a smaller-town feel with a strong connection to the university. Michigan State's location in East Lansing, Michigan, offers a more urban environment with access to the larger city of Lansing and proximity to Detroit. Students at MSU have access to a wider range of cultural events, entertainment options, and diverse communities.

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