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College Comparison

Michigan State vs RPI: 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

RPI

Troy, NY

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricMichigan StateRPI
Acceptance Rate83.9%58.5%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1150–13501330–1500wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)26–3130–34wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,372wins$61,884
Avg Net Price$20,751wins$33,139
Median Earnings (10 yr)$67,253$102,051wins
Graduation Rate82.2%83.2%wins
Retention Rate91.4%wins88.7%
Student–Faculty Ratio17:114:1wins
Total Enrollment40,243wins5,909

Verdict

Based on the data above, RPI edges out Michigan State on 6 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
  • Retention Rate: 91.4%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,243

RPI Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 58.5%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1500
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 30–34
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051

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