Michigan State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Michigan State University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Michigan State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at a glance
Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 79.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,322 at Michigan State University and $17,330 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 85.2%, 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 79.8%, so University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,322 a year at Michigan State University and $17,330 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $3,992 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,741 at Michigan State University and $5,885 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at Michigan State University, against 85.2% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,168 for Michigan State University and $74,314 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is $146 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Michigan State University and $19,350 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- Michigan State University enrolls 40,922 students (small city) and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 31,855 (large city).
Side by side
Michigan State University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 79.8% |
| Applicants | 50,630 | 35,905 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1300–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–31 | 26–31 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,322 | $17,330 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,256 | $18,482 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,640 | $41,368 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,710 | $32,137 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,741 | $5,885 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,883 | $7,188 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,300 | $9,031 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,082 | $16,210 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,356 | $29,424 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 85.2% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 91.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,168 | $74,314 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $19,350 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $220 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 40,922 | 31,855 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Minneapolis, MN |
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 114; 68 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Michigan State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Michigan State University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities admits 79.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Michigan State University 1180–1360; University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 1300–1500.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the lower average net price after grants: $21,322 a year at Michigan State University against $17,330 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,741 and $5,885. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Michigan State University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more at the median: $74,168 ten years after entry for Michigan State University and $74,314 for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $19,350.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Michigan State University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities does: 80.3% of Michigan State University students graduate within six years, against 85.2% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
How big are Michigan State University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Michigan State University has 40,922 students in East Lansing, MI and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has 31,855 students in Minneapolis, MN.