LSU vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA 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 LSU based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 41,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA (Rural Fringe setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Louisiana State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Louisiana State University 21:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

LSU vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, LSU 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 Louisiana State University than Michigan State ($21,430 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 17% lower than at Louisiana State University ($12,564 vs. $15,142).
• Michigan State University is 37.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than LSU (about $4,504 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $11,954.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.1% higher at Michigan State than at Louisiana State University (about $15,211 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $28,631.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Louisiana State University as at Michigan State University (88% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Louisiana State University students is 44.6% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($14,094 vs. $9,750).

LSU vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, LSU 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 LSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 10 points higher than at LSU (1260).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at LSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 1180/1340; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Louisiana State University 24/30; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: LSU - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman LSU 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 LSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23% at LSU vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

LSU vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for LSU 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 Louisiana State University's (60%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than LSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Louisiana State University graduates have a $4,584 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($20,900 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, LSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($216 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LSU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 67%)

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.