Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University are both public institutions — Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI and Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
East Lansing, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 84.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 40,922
Tuition: $43,842/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 80.7%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in East Lansing, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
Marquette, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 84.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,556
Tuition: $19,773/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 52.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Marquette, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Michigan State University | Northern Michigan University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 84.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1180–1360 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 25–31 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 40,922 | 6,556 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $43,842/year | $19,773/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,680 | $14,085 |
| Graduation rate | 80.7% | 52.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $67,253 | $47,107 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Marquette, MI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Communication | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (84.8% vs 84.0%). Northern Michigan University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,085 vs $19,680). Michigan State University reports the higher graduation rate (80.7% vs 52.1%). Michigan State University is the larger undergraduate campus (40,922 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Michigan State University vs Grand Valley State University
84.8% vs 83.0% acceptance rate
Michigan State University vs Western Michigan University
84.8% vs 84.6% acceptance rate
Michigan State University vs Wayne State University
84.8% vs 81.2% acceptance rate
Michigan State University vs Oakland University
84.8% vs 87.8% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University
Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 84.8%; Northern Michigan University is around 84.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Michigan State University tuition is $43,842/year. Northern Michigan University is $19,773/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool