Academic Comparison between MSU and WSU

Michigan State University and Wayne State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Michigan

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 WSU ($33,158).
  • It is harder to admit to WSU than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than WSU (1,140).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than WSU (25).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while WSU has 23,630 students.
  • WSU 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 WSU has 1,531 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Wayne State University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationDetroit, Michigan
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$15,464
Out-Of-State$33,158
69%% Receiving Financial Aid78%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,910
84.00 %Acceptance Rates82.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,140
28ACT Score25
81 %Graduation Rate60 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate21 %
89 %Retention Rate84 %
50,023Student Population23,630
2,996Number of Faculties1,531
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