University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Michigan State University

Compare historical evidence, then verify your personal fit and cost.

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By Admit Coach / GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology
MeasureUniversity of Michigan-Ann ArborMichigan State University
CampusMIMI
Institution typePublicPublic
Historical average net price$13,138$19,680
Four-year constant-cost scenario$52,552$78,720
In-state published cost of attendance$37,136$33,950
Out-of-state published cost of attendance$78,670$60,720
Admission policy / historical acceptance rate17.7%83.9%
Six-year graduation rate93.2%81.4%
Verify your costOfficial cost calculator / college cost pageOfficial cost calculator / college cost page

Reporting years are not verified for every imported field. Historical averages are not current prices or aid offers; public net-price averages may cover in-state students. The four-year scenario assumes unchanged cost and aid, excluding inflation and loan interest.

Michigan or Michigan State: compare the school you enter and the aid calendar

Application scope: First-year applicants. Michigan: undergraduate school and college guidance; Michigan State's cited deadline page identifies fall 2027 applications.

Michigan schools and colleges

Michigan applicants choose a particular undergraduate school or college. These units have their own requirements and priorities. Check your intended major's entry route and any portfolio, audition, or later application before comparing an Ann Arbor offer with another university's offer. Official source: Michigan schools and colleges.

Michigan State early action and scholarships

For fall 2027, MSU instructs applicants to select Early Action and submit the application plus all required materials by November 1 for maximum scholarship consideration. Early Action is non-binding; later applicants are considered for remaining scholarships. Official source: Michigan State early action and scholarships.

Put the differences into your decision

A university-wide admission rate cannot tell you whether a particular program is available. Compare the major pathway in writing, then run both cost calculators with the same household information and correct residency. Check aid renewal conditions and separate financial-aid deadlines before choosing by sticker price.

Sources checked . Policies can change; verify the linked pages for your entry year. This check date covers the policy notes, not the reporting years of the historical metrics above.

Campus admission rates are historical context, not personal admission probabilities.

Make this comparison useful

Can I afford either college?

Open both official calculators above using the same household information. Compare grants, annual out-of-pocket cost, borrowing and renewal conditions. Historical net price is context, not your offer.

Work through the affordability checklist →
What do graduation outcomes tell me?

The six-year rate describes an institution-level historical cohort. It does not predict your outcome or necessarily describe transfer, part-time or major-specific experiences. Ask each college about completion in your major, advising, required course availability and support.

Understand the cohort and data limitations →

Check the gaps in your college list →

Decide what to verify next

  1. Check admission to your intended major and current testing policy.
  2. Run each official cost calculator with the same household assumptions.
  3. Compare renewable grants, remaining budget gaps and deadlines.

Saved categories start as target placeholders; they do not assess personal admission chances. Explore academic fit or check affordability.

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard. Institution-level outcomes describe past cohorts and do not predict individual results.

Next steps

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