Michigan State University vs University of Iowa: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Michigan State University and University of Iowa, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Michigan State University vs University of Iowa at a glance
Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and University of Iowa 83.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,322 at Michigan State University and $22,508 at University of Iowa. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 75.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and University of Iowa 83.6%, so University of Iowa is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,322 a year at Michigan State University and $22,508 at University of Iowa; Michigan State University costs $1,186 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,741 at Michigan State University and $15,353 at University of Iowa.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at Michigan State University, against 75.8% at University of Iowa.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,168 for Michigan State University and $70,727 for University of Iowa; Michigan State University is $3,441 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Michigan State University and $21,262 at University of Iowa.
- Michigan State University enrolls 40,922 students (small city) and University of Iowa 22,264 (small city).
Side by side
Michigan State University and University of Iowa in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Michigan State University | University of Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 83.6% |
| Applicants | 50,630 | 22,434 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1130–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–31 | 21–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,322 | $22,508 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,256 | $11,622 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,640 | $33,710 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,710 | $29,219 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,741 | $15,353 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,883 | $15,374 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,300 | $17,179 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,082 | $22,278 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,356 | $26,721 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 75.8% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 90.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,168 | $70,727 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $21,262 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $242 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 40,922 | 22,264 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Small |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Iowa City, IA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Michigan State University reports 104 bachelor's programs and University of Iowa 78; 57 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Michigan State University vs University of Iowa
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Michigan State University or University of Iowa?
University of Iowa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and University of Iowa admits 83.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Michigan State University 1180–1360; University of Iowa 1130–1330.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or University of Iowa?
Michigan State University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,322 a year at Michigan State University against $22,508 at University of Iowa. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,741 and $15,353. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Michigan State University or University of Iowa graduates earn more?
Michigan State University graduates earn more at the median: $74,168 ten years after entry for Michigan State University and $70,727 for University of Iowa. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $21,262.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Michigan State University or University of Iowa?
Michigan State University does: 80.3% of Michigan State University students graduate within six years, against 75.8% at University of Iowa.
How big are Michigan State University and University of Iowa?
Michigan State University has 40,922 students in East Lansing, MI and University of Iowa has 22,264 students in Iowa City, IA.