MSU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than MSU based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 5,324 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Midwestern State University is located in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Midwestern State University 18:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

MSU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or VSU? 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 Midwestern State University than VSU ($11,215 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Midwestern State University are 16.7% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,124 vs. $13,355).
• Midwestern State University is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $537 more per year; $10,580.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.8% higher at VSU than at Midwestern State University (about $10,120 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Midwestern State University as at Virginia State University (92% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($12,447 vs. $11,037).

MSU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or VSU? 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 VSU and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Midwestern State University (1010) is 50 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming MSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Midwestern State University 910/1100; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Midwestern State University 16/22; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman MSU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at VSU (2.85).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at MSU vs. 14.3% at VSU.

MSU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and VSU? 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.

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $7,201 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($22,299 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($230 vs. $305).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 28%)

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.