Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Michigan State University and Oakland University are both public institutions — Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI and Oakland University in Rochester Hills, 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.
Rochester Hills, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 87.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 12,351
Tuition: $23,188/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 57.6%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Rochester Hills, MI with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Michigan State University | Oakland University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 87.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1180–1360 |
| 1030–1230 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 25–31 | 25 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 40,922 | 12,351 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $43,842/year | $23,188/year |
| Average net price after aid | $19,680 | $9,120 |
| Graduation rate | 80.7% | 57.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $67,253 | $58,612 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Rochester Hills, MI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Communication | Health professions, Business and marketing, Engineering |
Michigan State University is more selective (84.8% vs 87.8% acceptance rate). Oakland University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($9,120 vs $19,680). Michigan State University reports the higher graduation rate (80.7% vs 57.6%). 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 Northern Michigan University
84.8% vs 84.0% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Michigan State University and Oakland University
Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 84.8%; Oakland University is around 87.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Michigan State University tuition is $43,842/year. Oakland University is $23,188/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