College Comparison
Michigan State vs UNC Chapel Hill: 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
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | UNC Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 18.7%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1370–1530wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 30–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $39,330wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751 | $12,983wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $72,200wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 92.1%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 97.2%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 20,556 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UNC Chapel Hill edges out Michigan State on 9 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
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
UNC Chapel Hill Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 18.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1530
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 30–34
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,330
Want a deeper comparison?
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