Michigan State University (MSU) vs U of K

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Kentucky (UK). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they each possess unique characteristics that may influence your educational journey. MSU, nestled in East Lansing, Michigan, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body. UK, situated in Lexington, Kentucky, offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like engineering and business. As you navigate this side-by-side comparison, delve into the details of each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a fulfilling and transformative college experience.
Michigan State University logo

Michigan State University

University of Kentucky logo

University of Kentucky

Overview

Location East Lansing, Michigan Lexington, Kentucky
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
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 92.0% 86.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 83.3% 94.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1100 - 1320 1083 - 1330
ACT range 23 - 29 22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 48.0% 10.0%
Students submitting ACT score 16.0% 70.0%
Total number of applicants 50,630 21,695
Total number of admissions given out 42,150 20,396
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,225 4,721
Yield rate 21.9% 23.1%
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: $29,734

Out of state: $55,546
In state: $31,690

Out of state: $50,688
Average net price $8,738 $20,043
Tuition
In state: $14,750

Out of state: $40,562
In state: $11,247

Out of state: $30,245
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,408

Meal plan: $6,268
Room/dormitory: $9,650

Meal plan: $4,536
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

58.0%
Average amount $12,822
92.0%
Average amount $11,623
Students receiving federal student loan 34.0%
Average amount $4,999
41.0%
Average amount $5,177
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $18,093
9.0%
Average amount $19,204

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6%
21,900
Men 43.1% Women 56.9%
Graduate students 11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
8,490
Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 18.7% N/A
International students 8.3% 4.0%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 17,463 7,294
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee

Academics

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

Outcome

Graduation rate 82.1% 68.2%
Dropout rate 7.8% 30.6%
Transferred out 9.8% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,223
  • Year 2: $114,892
  • Year 3: $134,605
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,971
  • Year 2: $114,730
  • Year 3: $122,422
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $101,348
  • Year 2: $116,083
  • Year 3: $111,861
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,330
  • Year 2: $92,277
  • Year 3: $102,019
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,048
  • Year 2: $93,555
  • Year 3: $98,399
Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $83,128
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,062
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $78,282
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,632
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $76,500
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,089
  • Year 2: $70,512
  • Year 3: $74,487
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,465
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $72,801

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