College Comparison
Michigan State vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: 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 South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 61.5%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1180–1380wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 91.4%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Michigan State edges out South Carolina on 6 of 9 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
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,751
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $67,253
- ✓Graduation Rate: 82.2%
- ✓Retention Rate: 91.4%
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 61.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1180–1380
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
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