Oakland University (OU) vs Michigan State University (MSU)
Oakland University and Michigan State University, both esteemed institutions in Michigan, offer distinct educational experiences. Oakland University, nestled in Rochester, boasts a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community feel. With an acceptance rate of 84%, it provides a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Michigan State University, situated in East Lansing, stands as a Big Ten powerhouse with a larger student population, offering a vibrant and diverse campus life. Its acceptance rate of 70% reflects its competitive admissions process. While both universities excel in various academic disciplines, Oakland University is renowned for its strong nursing and business programs, while Michigan State University shines in engineering, agriculture, and hospitality management. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including their graduation rates, student demographics, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Michigan State University |
![]() Oakland University |
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Overview |
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Location | East Lansing, Michigan | Rochester Hills, Michigan |
Campus setting | City: Small | Suburb: 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% | 73.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.3% | 92.1% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
|
$45 |
SAT range | 1100 - 1320 | 970 - 1230 |
ACT range | 23 - 29 | 21 - 29 |
Students submitting SAT score | 48.0% | 60.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 16.0% | 10.0% |
Total number of applicants | 50,630 | 10,645 |
Total number of admissions given out | 42,150 | 9,803 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,225 | 2,025 |
Yield rate | 21.9% | 20.7% |
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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,734
Out of state:
$55,546
|
In state:
$27,222
Out of state:
$37,996
|
Average net price | $8,738 | $14,316 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,750
Out of state:
$40,562
|
In state:
$13,934
Out of state:
$24,708
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,408
Meal plan:
$6,268
|
$10,639 |
Available payment plans |
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|
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
58.0%
Average amount $12,822 |
90.0%
Average amount $10,413 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $4,999 |
40.0%
Average amount $4,896 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $18,093 |
3.0%
Average amount $11,832 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6% |
13,771
Men 42.1% Women 57.9% |
Graduate students |
11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
3,399
Men 43.2% Women 56.8% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 18.7% | 2.5% |
International students | 8.3% | 4.6% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 17,463 | 3,330 |
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 | Michigan Ohio Texas Florida Wisconsin |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 82.1% | 56.1% |
Dropout rate | 7.8% | 30.4% |
Transferred out | 9.8% | 8.6% |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
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