Purdue vs Michigan State University (MSU)

Purdue University-Main Campus and Michigan State University, both highly regarded public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Purdue, known for its strength in STEM fields, boasts a lower acceptance rate (29%) compared to Michigan State's (56%). While Purdue's student body is slightly smaller, both universities have diverse student populations. Engineering, Computer Science, and Management are popular majors at Purdue, while Michigan State excels in Social Sciences, Business, and Communication. With similar graduation rates, both universities provide excellent opportunities for students to succeed. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Michigan State University	Purdue University-Main Campus
Overview
Location	East Lansing, Michigan	West Lafayette, Indiana
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%	91.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.3%	68.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1100 - 1320	1190 - 1430
ACT range	23 - 29	26 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	48.0%	62.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	31.0%
Total number of applicants	50,630	59,436
Total number of admissions given out	42,150	40,898
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,225	10,278
Yield rate	21.9%	25.1%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $29,734 Out of state: $55,546	In state: $22,812 Out of state: $41,614
Average net price	$8,738	$14,619
Tuition	In state: $14,750 Out of state: $40,562	In state: $9,718 Out of state: $28,520
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,408 Meal plan: $6,268	Room/dormitory: $4,860 Meal plan: $5,398
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	58.0% Average amount $12,822	68.0% Average amount $7,324
Students receiving federal student loan	34.0% Average amount $4,999	29.0% Average amount $5,101
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $18,093	7.0% Average amount $18,535

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	38,574 Men 48.4% Women 51.6%	37,806 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%
Graduate students	11,085 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%	12,538 Men 57.5% Women 42.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	18.7%	51.2%
International students	8.3%	17.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	17,463	15,597
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	Indiana Illinois California New Jersey Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Health Professions Engineering	Engineering Business Health Professions Agriculture Education
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	82.1%	82.7%
Dropout rate	7.8%	16.0%
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	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $86,594 Year 2: $112,363 Year 3: $123,756 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,166 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $110,527 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,310 Year 2: $88,342 Year 3: $105,735 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,040 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $104,408 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,895 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,018 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,749 Year 2: $85,981 Year 3: $94,727 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $84,821 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $89,107 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,034 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $88,209 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,843 Year 2: $72,448 Year 3: $85,950 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,780 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $79,694

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Purdue University and Michigan State University?

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is renowned for its STEM programs, particularly in engineering and technology. It has a strong focus on research and practical application. Michigan State University (MSU), situated in East Lansing, Michigan, is a comprehensive land-grant university with strengths across a broader range of disciplines, including agriculture, communication, and social sciences. MSU is also known for its large campus and vibrant campus life.
Which university is better for engineering programs?

Purdue University consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the United States. While Michigan State University also offers strong engineering programs, Purdue generally holds a higher reputation and offers a wider array of specialized engineering disciplines.
How do the campus environments compare?

Michigan State University boasts a larger campus with a more traditional 'college town' feel in East Lansing. It has extensive green spaces and a greater emphasis on campus life and traditions. Purdue's campus, while still substantial, is more focused on academic buildings and research facilities. West Lafayette offers a more academically driven atmosphere.
Which university is stronger in agricultural sciences?

Michigan State University has a long and distinguished history in agricultural sciences, reflecting its land-grant mission. It offers a wider range of agricultural programs and research opportunities compared to Purdue, although Purdue also has a reputable agricultural program.
What are the differences in tuition and cost of attendance?

Tuition and cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and specific programs. Generally, Purdue University and Michigan State University have comparable tuition rates for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at Purdue may be slightly higher than at Michigan State. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and accurate cost information.
How do the acceptance rates compare between Purdue and Michigan State?

Purdue University generally has a more selective admissions process than Michigan State University. This means that Purdue's acceptance rate is typically lower, indicating a more competitive applicant pool.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

Both Purdue University and Michigan State University are major research institutions with ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Purdue's strength in STEM fields translates to significant research opportunities in those areas. MSU also offers extensive research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, and social sciences. The 'better' choice depends on your specific research interests.
How does campus life differ between the two universities?

Michigan State University is known for its vibrant and active campus life, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, athletics, and student organizations. Purdue also has a robust campus life, but it may be perceived as slightly more academically focused. Both universities offer a wide range of clubs, activities, and events to cater to diverse interests.
Which university is located in a more urban environment?

Neither West Lafayette (Purdue) nor East Lansing (MSU) is located in a major metropolitan area. However, East Lansing, being closer to larger cities like Detroit, might offer slightly more access to urban amenities and opportunities compared to West Lafayette.
What are the strengths of each university's career services?

Both Purdue University and Michigan State University have strong career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job placement, and career development. Purdue's career services are particularly well-regarded for placing students in STEM-related industries. MSU's career services have strong connections with a broader range of employers, reflecting the university's diverse academic programs.
How do the alumni networks compare?

Both Purdue and Michigan State have extensive and active alumni networks. Purdue's alumni network is particularly strong in engineering and technology sectors. Michigan State's alumni network is broad and diverse, with strong representation in various industries and professions, particularly in the Midwest.
Which school is better for pre-med?

Both Purdue and Michigan State offer strong pre-med programs. Michigan State University has the advantage of having its own medical school, which can provide unique opportunities for pre-med students. Purdue's strong science programs also provide a solid foundation for medical school. The 'better' choice depends on individual preferences and specific program offerings.

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