Kettering University vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Kettering University in Flint, MI with Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Kettering University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 1,466 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kettering University is located in Flint, MI (Midsize City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Kettering University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kettering University 11:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Kettering University vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kettering University or Michigan State? 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 Kettering University ($23,657 vs. $35,609).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kettering University are 17.2% lower than at Michigan State University ($10,400 vs. $12,564).
• Kettering University is 194.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $32,012 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Kettering University than at Michigan State University (about $4,628 more per year; $48,470.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kettering University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kettering University students is 163% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($25,641 vs. $9,750).

Kettering University vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kettering University or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State and Kettering University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 20 points higher than at Kettering University (1250).
• Incoming Kettering University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Michigan State (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 1160/1330; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kettering University 26/30; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kettering University - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Kettering University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Kettering University (78.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Kettering University vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Kettering University vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kettering University and Michigan State? 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 Kettering University's (59%).
• Graduates from Kettering University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than Michigan State graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,000 vs. $60,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $915 lower median loan debt than Kettering University graduates ($25,484 vs. $26,399).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kettering University graduates ($263 vs. $272).
• More Kettering University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 68%)

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.