Michigan State University (MSU) vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Both institutions offer a world-class education, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may sway your decision. MSU, rooted in the heart of East Lansing, Michigan, boasts a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse mix of learners from various backgrounds. UNC, nestled in the vibrant town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, presents a more selective admissions process and a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover further disparities in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes. Discover which university aligns seamlessly with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for an exceptional collegiate experience.
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![]() Michigan State University |
![]() University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
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Overview |
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Location | East Lansing, Michigan | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
Campus setting | City: Small | 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 | 92.0% | 97.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.3% | 20.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$95
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SAT range | 1100 - 1320 | 1140 - 1380 |
ACT range | 23 - 29 | 22 - 27 |
Students submitting SAT score | 48.0% | 2.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 16.0% | 12.0% |
Total number of applicants | 50,630 | 50,729 |
Total number of admissions given out | 42,150 | 10,348 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,225 | 4,690 |
Yield rate | 21.9% | 45.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,734
Out of state:
$55,546
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In state:
$24,770
Out of state:
$52,633
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Average net price | $8,738 | $11,508 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,750
Out of state:
$40,562
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In state:
$7,019
Out of state:
$34,882
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,408
Meal plan:
$6,268
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Room/dormitory:
$6,878
Meal plan:
$5,004
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
58.0%
Average amount $12,822 |
42.0%
Average amount $16,076 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $4,999 |
17.0%
Average amount $4,244 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $18,093 |
3.0%
Average amount $14,032 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6% |
19,845
Men 39.6% Women 60.4% |
Graduate students |
11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
11,796
Men 41.4% Women 58.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 18.7% | 16.2% |
International students | 8.3% | 6.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 17,463 | 9,984 |
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 | North Carolina Georgia Maryland New York Pennsylvania |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 82.1% | 90.5% |
Dropout rate | 7.8% | 3.7% |
Transferred out | 9.8% | 5.4% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
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