Michigan State vs. UC

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI with University of Cincinnati Main Campus in Cincinnati, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than UC based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 45,026 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); University of Cincinnati Main Campus is in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 19:1.

Michigan State vs. UC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or UC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Michigan State University than UC ($23,657 vs. $24,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 7.4% lower than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus ($12,564 vs. $13,564).
• Michigan State University is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC (about $2,482 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $13,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.6% higher at Michigan State than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (about $14,532 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $29,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Michigan State University than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (88% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan State University students is 19% larger than aid received by University of Cincinnati Main Campus students ($9,750 vs. $8,196).

Michigan State vs. UC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State or UC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UC and Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is the same as at UC (1270).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at UC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; University of Cincinnati Main Campus 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; UC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at UC (3.69).
• UC has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Michigan State (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 22.5% at UC.

Michigan State vs. UC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and UC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than University of Cincinnati Main Campus's (59%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than UC graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates have a $2,484 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, UC graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($237 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.