College Comparison
Michigan State vs UC Irvine: 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
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 25.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372wins | $45,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $80,735wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 86.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 93.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 29,494 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Irvine edges out Michigan State on 5 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1150–1350
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,735
- ✓Graduation Rate: 86.0%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.