Academic Comparison between MSU and UI

Michigan State University and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and UI is located in Iowa City, IA.

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 UI ($32,927).
  • It is harder to admit to MSU than UI.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than UI (1,220).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than UI (25).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while UI has 30,015 students.
  • UI has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while UI has 2,485 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Iowa
East Lansing, MichiganLocationIowa City, Iowa
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$10,964
Out-Of-State$32,927
69%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,058
84.00 %Acceptance Rates85.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,220
28ACT Score25
81 %Graduation Rate73 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
89 %Retention Rate89 %
50,023Student Population30,015
2,996Number of Faculties2,485
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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