Michigan State vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Cedarville University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 6,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

Michigan State vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University ($23,657 vs. $27,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 23.8% lower than at Michigan State University ($9,574 vs. $12,564).
• Cedarville University is 125.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $20,692 more per year; $37,150.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Michigan State than at Cedarville University (about $6,692 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cedarville University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedarville University students is 127.5% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($22,177 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 20 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Cedarville University (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

Michigan State vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and Cedarville 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 Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $2,984 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($232 vs. $263).
• More Cedarville 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.