College Comparison
Michigan State vs Virginia Tech: 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
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | Virginia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 57.0%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1240–1420wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 27–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $36,694wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751wins | $23,790 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $81,698wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 86.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 91.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 30,435 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Virginia Tech edges out Michigan State on 7 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
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
Virginia Tech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 57.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1240–1420
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,694
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.