Academic Comparison between Northwestern University and MSU

Northwestern University and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and MSU is a four-year, public school located in East Lansing, MI.

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.

  • Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) and MSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than MSU ($44,040).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than MSU.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,530) than MSU (1,250).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.Michigan State University
Evanston, IllinoisLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$65,9972024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
54%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,980
7.00 %Acceptance Rates84.00 %
57.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,530SAT Score1,250
34ACT Score28
96 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate10 %
98 %Retention Rate89 %
23,161Student Population50,023
2,325Number of Faculties2,996
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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