Michigan State vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan State University 17:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

Michigan State vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri Columbia than Michigan State ($22,169 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 8.3% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($12,564 vs. $13,700).
• Michigan State University is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Columbia (about $1,621 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $14,837.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.6% higher at Michigan State than at University of Missouri Columbia (about $7,786 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $36,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at Michigan State University (95% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 35.4% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($13,203 vs. $9,750).

Michigan State vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri-Columbia and Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 30 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than University of Missouri-Columbia (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Michigan State vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri Columbia's (69%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $3,601 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($21,883 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($226 vs. $263).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia 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.