University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN) vs Michigan State University (MSU)
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Michigan State University. Both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you thrive in a diverse urban setting or prefer a vibrant college town atmosphere, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Michigan State University |
![]() University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
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Overview |
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Location | East Lansing, Michigan | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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% | 92.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.3% | 73.2% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$55
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 1100 - 1320 | 1310 - 1490 |
ACT range | 23 - 29 | 27 - 32 |
Students submitting SAT score | 48.0% | 7.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 16.0% | 41.0% |
Total number of applicants | 50,630 | 35,905 |
Total number of admissions given out | 42,150 | 26,295 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,225 | 6,883 |
Yield rate | 21.9% | 26.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not 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
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In state:
$29,416
Out of state:
$47,980
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Average net price | $8,738 | $17,468 |
Tuition |
In state:
$14,750
Out of state:
$40,562
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In state:
$13,532
Out of state:
$32,096
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,408
Meal plan:
$6,268
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Room/dormitory:
$6,654
Meal plan:
$4,860
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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 |
65.0%
Average amount $10,362 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $4,999 |
37.0%
Average amount $5,188 |
Students taking out private loans |
6.0%
Average amount $18,093 |
10.0%
Average amount $14,830 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
38,574
Men 48.4% Women 51.6% |
36,209
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
Graduate students |
11,085
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% |
16,167
Men 43.3% Women 56.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 18.7% | 28.7% |
International students | 8.3% | 9.7% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 17,463 | 7,558 |
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 | Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois North Dakota California |
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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% | 84.2% |
Dropout rate | 7.8% | 5.2% |
Transferred out | 9.8% | 9.3% |
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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Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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