Michigan State University vs Oakland University: A Data-Driven Comparison
Both universities offer similar admission accessibility, with Oakland University accepting 90% of applicants compared to Michigan State's 88% acceptance rate. However, their similarities end there.
Cost and Value: Oakland University provides significantly better affordability with an average net price of $13,584 versus Michigan State's $20,751. Out-of-state students benefit even more dramatically at Oakland ($23,188 vs $43,372). Both schools result in similar debt loads around $23,000.
Academic Experience: Michigan State offers a larger research university experience with 40,243 students compared to Oakland's more intimate 12,450 enrollment. Both maintain identical 17:1 student-faculty ratios. Michigan State demonstrates superior academic outcomes with an 82% six-year graduation rate and 91% retention rate, while Oakland shows concerning rates of 57% and 75% respectively.
Campus and Outcomes: Michigan State provides the traditional college town atmosphere in East Lansing with major Division I athletics including Big Ten sports. Oakland offers suburban campus life near Detroit. Career outcomes favor Michigan State graduates, who earn a median salary of $67,253 ten years post-graduation compared to Oakland's $58,612.
Academic Strengths: Michigan State excels across multiple disciplines as a major research institution, while Oakland focuses on professional programs and serves the Detroit metropolitan area effectively.
Students seeking a comprehensive university experience with strong academic support and outcomes should consider Michigan State, while cost-conscious students preferring smaller class sizes and suburban Detroit proximity may find Oakland University more suitable.
Both universities offer similar admission accessibility, with Oakland University accepting 90% of applicants compared to Michigan State's 88% acceptance rate. However, their similarities end there.
Cost and Value: Oakland University provides significantly better affordability with an average net price of $13,584 versus Michigan State's $20,751. Out-of-state students benefit even more dramatically at Oakland ($23,188 vs $43,372). Both schools result in similar debt loads around $23,000.
Academic Experience: Michigan State offers a larger research university experience with 40,243 students compared to Oakland's more intimate 12,450 enrollment. Both maintain identical 17:1 student-faculty ratios. Michigan State demonstrates superior academic outcomes with an 82% six-year graduation rate and 91% retention rate, while Oakland shows concerning rates of 57% and 75% respectively.
Campus and Outcomes: Michigan State provides the traditional college town atmosphere in East Lansing with major Division I athletics including Big Ten sports. Oakland offers suburban campus life near Detroit. Career outcomes favor Michigan State graduates, who earn a median salary of $67,253 ten years post-graduation compared to Oakland's $58,612.
Academic Strengths: Michigan State excels across multiple disciplines as a major research institution, while Oakland focuses on professional programs and serves the Detroit metropolitan area effectively.
Students seeking a comprehensive university experience with strong academic support and outcomes should consider Michigan State, while cost-conscious students preferring smaller class sizes and suburban Detroit proximity may find Oakland University more suitable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Michigan State University | Oakland University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 88.0% | 90.1% |
| SAT Average | 1,260 | 1,130 |
| Enrollment | 40,243 | 12,450 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,988 | $14,694 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $43,372 | $23,188 |
| Net Price | $20,751 | $13,584 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.2% | 56.9% |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 75.2% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $67,253 | $58,612 |
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $22,750 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Michigan State University | Oakland University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $80,133 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $78,488 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $77,115 | Mechanical Engineering. | $76,962 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $75,936 | Computer Engineering. | $76,460 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $75,291 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,305 |
| Chemical Engineering. | $71,351 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $61,481 |