Transylvania University vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Transylvania University in Lexington, KY 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 Transylvania University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 1,006 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Transylvania University is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Transylvania University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Transylvania University 10:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Transylvania University vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Transylvania University 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 Michigan State University than Transylvania University ($23,657 vs. $25,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 14.5% lower than at Transylvania University ($12,564 vs. $14,697).
• Transylvania University is 184.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $30,412 more per year; $46,870.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Transylvania University than at Michigan State University (about $3,028 more per year; $46,870.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Transylvania University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Transylvania University students is 268.2% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($35,903 vs. $9,750).

Transylvania University vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Transylvania University 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 Transylvania University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 20 points higher than at Transylvania University (1250).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Transylvania University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Transylvania University 1120/1380; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Transylvania University 24/30; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Transylvania University - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Transylvania University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Transylvania University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Transylvania University has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than Michigan State (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at Transylvania University vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Transylvania University vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Transylvania University 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 Transylvania University's (70%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Transylvania University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $48,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,516 lower median loan debt than Transylvania University graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Transylvania University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Transylvania University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.