Michigan State vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Michigan State vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or Ohio 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 Ohio University Main Campus than Michigan State ($21,907 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 11.3% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,564 vs. $14,162).
• Michigan State University is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $2,300 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.5% higher at Michigan State than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $19,004 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Michigan State University (94% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan State University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($9,750 vs. $9,422).

Michigan State vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 80 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than Michigan State (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Michigan State vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and Ohio 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 Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $4,984 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($211 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 51%)

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.