Academic Comparison between MSU and PU

Michigan State University and Purdue University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and PU is located in West Lafayette, IN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,040) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to PU than MSU.
  • PU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than MSU (1,250).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while MSU has 50,023 students.
  • PU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while PU has 2,039 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Purdue University-Main Campus
East Lansing, MichiganLocationWest Lafayette, Indiana
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
69%% Receiving Financial Aid45%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,819
84.00 %Acceptance Rates50.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)26.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,320
28ACT Score31
81 %Graduation Rate83 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate90 %
50,023Student Population51,528
2,996Number of Faculties2,039
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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