North Central College vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

North Central College vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or Michigan State? 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 North Central College than Michigan State ($23,276 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 14.5% lower than at North Central College ($12,564 vs. $14,688).
• North Central College is 177.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $29,268 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at North Central College than at Michigan State University (about $1,884 more per year; $45,726.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Central College than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Central College students is 249.3% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($34,056 vs. $9,750).

North Central College vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 90 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at North Central College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than North Central College (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

North Central College vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Michigan State? 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 North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $484 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.