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College Comparison

Michigan State vs University of Notre Dame: 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

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricMichigan StateNotre Dame
Acceptance Rate83.9%12.4%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1150–13501440–1540wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)26–3133–35wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,372wins$62,693
Avg Net Price$20,751wins$27,823
Median Earnings (10 yr)$67,253$99,980wins
Graduation Rate82.2%96.8%wins
Retention Rate91.4%98.2%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio17:19:1wins
Total Enrollment40,243wins8,923

Verdict

Based on the data above, Notre Dame 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

Notre Dame Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1540
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $99,980

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