Michigan State vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Michigan State vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence ($23,657 vs. $27,161).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 3.2% lower than at Michigan State University ($12,165 vs. $12,564).
• Lawrence University is 246.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $40,524 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Lawrence than at Michigan State University (about $13,140 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 337.8% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($42,688 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 40 points higher than at Michigan State (1270).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Michigan State vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and Lawrence? 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).

• The graduation rate at Michigan State is the same as at Lawrence University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,866 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($263 vs. $282).
• More Lawrence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.