Michigan State vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Alfred University 9:1.

Michigan State vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University ($23,657 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 18.3% lower than at Alfred University ($12,564 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 152.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $25,042 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Michigan State than at Alfred University (about $2,342 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $41,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 218.2% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($31,022 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 70 points higher than at Alfred University (1200).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Alfred University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

Michigan State vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and Alfred University? 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 Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,516 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.