Michigan State University (MSU) vs ASU Tempe

Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) stand out as two of the most sought-after public universities in the United States, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and diverse student communities. While both universities share a commitment to providing a transformative educational experience, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side comparison delves into these differences, providing prospective students with valuable insights to help them make an informed decision about their academic journey. Whether you're drawn to MSU's Big Ten athletic spirit or ASU's innovative approach to interdisciplinary learning, this comprehensive analysis will guide you towards the campus that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	Arizona State University Campus Immersion	Michigan State University
Overview
Location	Tempe, Arizona	East Lansing, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	92.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.2%	83.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	1100 - 1320
ACT range	N/A	23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score		48.0%
Students submitting ACT score		16.0%
Total number of applicants	61,603	50,630
Total number of admissions given out	54,329	42,150
Admitted students who chose to enroll	14,250	9,225
Yield rate	26.2%	21.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,034 Out of state: $45,124	In state: $29,734 Out of state: $55,546
Average net price	$14,934	$8,738
Tuition	In state: $10,710 Out of state: $28,800	In state: $14,750 Out of state: $40,562
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,176 Meal plan: $5,520	Room/dormitory: $4,408 Meal plan: $6,268
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	89.0% Average amount $12,201	58.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,913	34.0% Average amount $4,999
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $20,834	6.0% Average amount $18,093

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	64,716 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	38,574 Men 48.4% Women 51.6%
Graduate students	13,165 Men 52.1% Women 47.9%	11,085 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	37.3%	18.7%
International students	11.8%	8.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	16,334	17,463
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Illinois Washington Texas	Michigan Illinois California Ohio New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Computer and Information Science Health Professions	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Communication and Journalism Health Professions Engineering
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	82.1%
Dropout rate	11.4%	7.8%
Transferred out	20.8%	9.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,851 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $114,816 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $103,690 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $111,949 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,013 Year 2: $98,650 Year 3: $105,146 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,598 Year 2: $94,075 Year 3: $98,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,654 Year 2: $94,817 Year 3: $97,267 Chemical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,735 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $94,702 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,560 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $89,330 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $86,958 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,698 Year 2: $77,618 Year 3: $86,662 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,373 Year 2: $75,804 Year 3: $85,635	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $126,500 Year 2: $123,886 Year 3: $132,790 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,863 Year 2: $98,481 Year 3: $108,546 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,313 Year 2: $89,435 Year 3: $101,511 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,361 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $100,492 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $97,714 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $79,294 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,263 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,609 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $92,316 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,457 Year 2: $86,129 Year 3: $91,721 Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,178 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $89,761 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,462 Year 2: $80,133 Year 3: $84,869

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) Campus Immersion?

Michigan State University (MSU) is a large, public land-grant university located in East Lansing, Michigan, known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and communication. It offers a traditional Big Ten college experience with a focus on research and a strong sense of community. Arizona State University (ASU) Campus Immersion, located in Tempe, Arizona, is also a large public university, but it's known for its innovation, sustainability initiatives, and diverse range of programs, including business, design, and engineering. ASU emphasizes accessibility and offers a more modern, future-oriented approach to education. The climate and campus environments are also significantly different, with MSU experiencing cold winters and ASU enjoying warm weather year-round.
Which university is larger, MSU or ASU?

Both are large universities, but Arizona State University (ASU) generally has a larger overall student population than Michigan State University (MSU). However, enrollment numbers can fluctuate, so it's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date figures.
How do the academic reputations of MSU and ASU compare?

Both Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) are well-regarded institutions, but they have different areas of strength. MSU is particularly strong in agriculture, veterinary medicine, communication, and supply chain management. ASU is known for its programs in business, engineering, sustainability, and design. Rankings vary depending on the source, but both universities consistently rank among the top public universities in the United States. Consider your specific academic interests when evaluating their reputations.
What is the campus environment like at MSU versus ASU?

Michigan State University (MSU) offers a classic, traditional college campus experience with a strong sense of school spirit and a close-knit community. The campus is located in a smaller college town (East Lansing) and features beautiful green spaces, historic buildings, and a vibrant student life centered around Big Ten athletics. Arizona State University (ASU) has a more modern and urban campus environment in Tempe, a bustling city within the Phoenix metropolitan area. ASU's campus is known for its innovative architecture, sustainability initiatives, and diverse student body. The climate is also a major difference, with MSU experiencing cold, snowy winters and ASU enjoying warm, sunny weather year-round.
How do the costs of attending MSU and ASU compare?

The cost of attendance at both Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, tuition and fees are lower for in-state students. ASU may have a slightly higher cost of living due to its location in a metropolitan area. It's best to visit the financial aid websites of both universities to get an accurate estimate of the cost of attendance based on your individual circumstances and eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.
What are the athletic programs like at MSU and ASU?

Both Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) have strong athletic programs and are members of major athletic conferences. MSU is a member of the Big Ten Conference, known for its competitive football and basketball programs. ASU is a member of the Pac-12 Conference (soon to be the Big 12), with strong programs in baseball, softball, and football. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and attract passionate fans.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

Both Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) are research-intensive universities with numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. MSU has a long-standing tradition of research in agriculture, natural sciences, and engineering. ASU has made significant investments in research across a wide range of disciplines, including sustainability, health, and technology. The 'better' university for research depends on your specific research interests and the faculty expertise available at each institution. Explore the research labs and faculty profiles at both universities to determine which aligns best with your goals.
How do MSU and ASU support student success and career development?

Both Michigan State University (MSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) offer comprehensive support services to help students succeed academically and professionally. These services include academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, internship opportunities, and alumni networking. ASU has a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, providing resources for students interested in starting their own businesses. MSU has a well-established career services center with strong connections to employers in the Midwest and beyond. Both universities host career fairs and workshops to help students prepare for their future careers.
What are the surrounding areas like near MSU and ASU?

Michigan State University (MSU) is located in East Lansing, Michigan, a college town with a vibrant student atmosphere. East Lansing offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options catering to students. The surrounding area is primarily suburban and rural, with access to outdoor recreational activities. Arizona State University (ASU) is located in Tempe, Arizona, a bustling city within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Tempe offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and job opportunities. The surrounding area is urban and suburban, with access to desert landscapes and outdoor adventures.
What types of students might thrive at MSU versus ASU?

Students who enjoy a traditional college experience with a strong sense of community and school spirit might thrive at Michigan State University (MSU). MSU is a good fit for students who appreciate a classic campus environment, Big Ten athletics, and a focus on research and academic rigor. Students who are drawn to innovation, sustainability, and a more modern approach to education might thrive at Arizona State University (ASU). ASU is a good fit for students who prefer a diverse and urban environment, access to a wide range of programs, and a focus on career development and entrepreneurship. Consider your personal preferences, academic interests, and career goals when making your decision.

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