University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs Michigan State University

Champaign, IL — East Lansing, MI

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Location Champaign, IL East Lansing, MI
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,258 40,922
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 84.8%
SAT Average 1,440 1,269
In-State Tuition $16,004 $16,458
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $43,842
Avg Net Price $14,355 $19,680
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $23,250
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 81.4%
Retention Rate 94.8% 90.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $55,084
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $67,253
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 1161300.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Michigan State University compare?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) has an acceptance rate of 42.4%, in-state tuition of $16,004, and median 10-year earnings of $81,054. Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) has an acceptance rate of 84.8%, in-state tuition of $16,458, and median 10-year earnings of $67,253.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Michigan State University?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,054 vs $67,253. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Michigan State University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the more affordable option at $14,355 per year versus $19,680.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.0% vs 81.4%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025