Michigan State University vs Indiana University Bloomington

Michigan State University vs Indiana University Bloomington

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

MSU and IU share sturdy global positions, albeit in various fields. MSU is ranked # 161 QS World University 2026, and IU is ranked # 306 QS World University 2026. In QS subject rankings 2025, MSU is featured in the world top 20 for Agriculture, Communication, Veterinary Science, and Education. IU is at the top in Business, Public Affairs, Music, and Languages. Though MSU's research scope and STEM prowess provide it with a wider academic outline, IU's Kelley School of Business and liberal arts schools rank among the nation's finest.

General Information

MSU also has a slightly larger enrollment, with 52,089 compared to IU's 48,424. MSU provides more than 140 undergraduate and almost 90 graduate programs in 17 colleges, focusing on research and professional education. IU provides more than 30 undergraduate and over 80 graduate programs, led by strong liberal arts, professional schools, and the Kelley School of Business as a flagship. MSU's East Lansing campus is more rural and sprawling in nature, whereas IU's Bloomington campus features idyllic limestone buildings and college town small-city setting. Both are members of the Big Ten Conference and have lively athletic cultures, with the Spartans and the Hoosiers competing at the highest collegiate levels.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

MSU's admissions are somewhat less selective with an 84.8% acceptance rate versus IU's 80.4%. MSU accepts students with an SAT score range of 1110–1320 and an ACT of 24–30, whereas IU accepts at higher score ranges of 1230–1430 SAT and 28–33 ACT. MSU has an average GPA of 3.79, whereas IU has a median GPA of 3.98. MSU is served by a greater applicant pool (62,138 vs. IU's 54,279 over recent years), although IU has a greater yield rate (21.9% vs. 18.3%). IU also draws a higher proportion of out-of-state students, whereas MSU strongly attracts Michigan residents and has a high level of international presence.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both universities are R1 research universities with very high research activity. MSU is focused on agriculture, communication, and STEM and is backed by almost $1 billion in research support, specialized labs, and international recognition in sustainability. IU emphasizes business, public affairs, music, and liberal arts, complemented by interdisciplinary research institutes and centers within its 750+ academic units. MSU's more extensive faculty and research infrastructure fuel greater overall research activity, while IU's international excellence in business, music, and languages render it a unique academic community.

Cost & Financial Aid

MSU's in-state tuition is around $16,458 and out-of-state $43,842, with room and board averaging $11,754. IU's in-state rate is lower at $12,144, out-of-state $41,891, and room and board slightly higher at $13,380. MSU offers aid to 96% of students, with an average of $9,950, whereas IU offers aid to 74% of students, with an average of $11,389. IU tends to be less expensive for in-state students, whereas MSU offers wider aid distribution reaching almost all of its student body. Both institutions offer a combination of merit-based and need-based aid, with IU being particularly known for broader scholarship opportunities.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

MSU students have good career outcomes, with 93% of them placed and a six-year graduation rate of approximately 82%. Government reports' earnings data indicate median salaries of about $60,000 ten years post-graduation. IU graduates also succeed, particularly through the Kelley School of Business, which produces top MBA graduates with average earnings above $115,000, while the six-year graduation rate is 80.9%. MSU’s alumni network of over 500,000 has significant regional influence, especially in business, communication, and agriculture, while IU’s alumni thrive nationally and internationally in business, arts, and public service. Both universities share excellent academic reputations with influential alumni networks, but MSU is more applied research and locally focused industries, while IU is stronger in liberal arts and business with international reach.