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College Comparison

Michigan State vs George Washington University: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

Michigan State

East Lansing, MI

School

George Washington University

Washington, DC

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricMichigan StateGeorge Washington
Acceptance Rate83.9%43.5%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1150–13501350–1500wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)26–3131–34wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,372wins$64,990
Avg Net Price$20,751wins$37,454
Median Earnings (10 yr)$67,253$90,873wins
Graduation Rate82.2%85.2%wins
Retention Rate91.4%91.9%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio17:112:1wins
Total Enrollment40,243wins10,848

Verdict

Based on the data above, George Washington edges out Michigan State on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

Michigan State Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
  • Avg Net Price: $20,751
  • Total Enrollment: 40,243

George Washington Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 43.5%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1350–1500
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–34
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $90,873

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