Michigan State vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Duquesne University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 8,234 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

Michigan State vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or Duquesne 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 Duquesne University ($23,657 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 23.3% lower than at Duquesne University ($12,564 vs. $16,374).
• Duquesne University is 197.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $32,528 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.7% higher at Duquesne University than at Michigan State University (about $5,144 more per year; $48,986.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Duquesne University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Duquesne University students is 206.2% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($29,850 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State or Duquesne University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Duquesne University and Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Duquesne University (1260).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 28 at Michigan State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Michigan State University 25/31; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Duquesne University (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

Michigan State vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and Duquesne University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Duquesne University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Michigan State graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,100 vs. $60,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,516 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Duquesne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.