University of Iowa is a public prestigious university based in Iowa City, Iowa in the Iowa City metropolitan area. The institution is large with 21,973 undergraduate students. Admissions are relatively competitive as the University of Iowa acceptance rate is approximately 84.7%. Some of its majors are Business, Nursing, Psychology, Engineering, and Liberal Arts & Sciences. Six-year graduation rate is 74%, and the median starting salary of graduates from the University of Iowa is around INR 52,91,000 (ten years after graduation, converted from $64,000 median earnings).
Michigan State University is a highly reputed public university situated in East Lansing, Michigan in the Lansing metropolitan area. It is a very large university with an undergraduate enrollment of 39,201 students. Admissions are relatively competitive since Michigan State's acceptance rate is approximately 84%. Popular majors include Business, Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Communication. The six-year graduation rate is 81%, and Michigan State graduates still maintain a median starting salary of about INR 55,36,000 (converted from the $67,000 median earnings a decade after graduation).
| University of Iowa | Michigan State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.2 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 # 530 QS World University 2026 # 160 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 105 Times Higher Education 2026 # 161 QS World University 2026 # 122 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 251 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 36 for Law by US News 2025 | # 137 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -83 PG Programs -49 Doctorate Programs -66 | UG Programs -144 PG Programs -88 Doctorate Programs -8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 84.7 % | 84.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-7 SAT-1140 TOEFL-100 | Duolingo-110 GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1100 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 32408 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13418 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 21888 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 41492 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28280 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 12564 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | 96% of the students of the business school of the university were employed within six months of graduation with a median salary of $52,000. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Masters in Science: $96,000 Bachelor of Science: $90,000 Bachelor of Arts: $85,000 Other Degree: $61,000 | Average annual salary: 70,455 USD; Top recruiters: General Motors Corporation, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, FCA Corp; Highest paid degrees: MBA (111,000 USD), Masters in Science (102,000 USD), Masters (90,000 USD), Masters of Arts (84,000 USD), Doctorate (81,000 USD), PhD (72,000 USD). |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit entrance exam scores Submit English language scores Check program specific requirements | Academic transcripts; 2-3 Essays; 2-3 LORs; Resume; Standardized tests; Proof of English language proficiency; Additional requirements (Research proposals, interview, etc.) |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 7 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 14 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 71 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 751 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 | # 54 for Computer Science by US News 2025 # 93 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 # 136 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90SAT - 1280/1600TOEFL - 79/120 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall/Summer 2025 Intake) | Mar 31, 2025 (Regular Application Admission Decision) May 1, 2025 (Fee Deposit Deadline) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Iowa | Michigan State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1847 | 1855 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 52% Female | 49% Male, 51% Female |
| Location Facts | The University of Iowa's main campus is located in Iowa City. The campus is roughly bordered by Park Road and U.S. Highway 6 to the north and Dubuque and Gilbert Streets to the east. The Iowa River flows through the campus, dividing it into west and east sides. | located in East Lansing, Michigan; perched on the banks of Red Cedar River; spread over 5,300 acres with 563 buildings on-campus. |
| Library | The University of Iowa library system is the state's largest library and comprises the Main Library, the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, five branch libraries, and the Law Library. The University Libraries' holdings include more than five million bound volumes, more than 200,000 rare books, and 1000 historical manuscript collections. | 29th largest academic library system in North America; over 7 million volumes & 6.7 million microforms; In 2018, Digital Scholarship Lab opened (built in partnership with the College of Arts and Letters) |
| Campus Life | Student Life is a one-stop resource for events, student clubs and organizations, community resources, and student support. You can live just a short walk or bus ride away from the heart of campus with your fellow first-year students in Iowa's residence halls. There are over 500 student organizations, including groups focused on politics, sports, games, lifestyles, dance, song, theater, and a variety of other activities. The University of Iowa has 20 varsity athletic teams, known as the Hawkeyes. All teams are members of the Big Ten Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. In 2004 the university established an annual $25,000 contract with the newly reopened Iowa City Englert Theatre to host concerts and performances for as many as 40 nights a year. Students participate in a variety of student media organizations. | university campus houses: National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, Abrams Planetarium, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, country's largest residence hall system; Neighborhood Health and Wellness Program, Live On and Be Fit |
| Hostel | #On campus - $10450 #Off campus (with family) - $2850 #Off campus (not with family) - $8588 | #Food and housing - $12564 |
| Famous Alumni | James Cartwright, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff George Gallup, founder of Gallup Poll Silas B. Hays, former Surgeon General of the United States Army Ashton Kutcher, actor Tennessee Williams, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright | 634,300 living alumni; Magic Johnson (American basketball player); Eli Broad (American entrepreneur); Sam Raimi (American filmmaker); Draymond Green (American basketball player); Tyler Oakley (America Youtuber); Richa Langella (Indian film actress); Timothy Granaderos (American actor); Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution in India); Peter Schmidt (American economist & econometrician). |
| City Life | Iowa City is a town in Iowa with a population of 74,240. Iowa City is in Johnson County and is one of the best places to live in Iowa. Living in Iowa City offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Iowa City there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Home to attractions such as The University of Iowa and The Old Capitol Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Iowa City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Kalona Historical Village and Studio Arts. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Iowa City has something for everyone! | East Lansing- city in Michigan, USA located directly east of Lansing (the state capital); Famous tourist attractions: Spartan Stadium, Wharton Center, Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU Horticulture Garden, Abrams Planetarium; Unemployment rate- 2.7% (Dec 2019) |
| Weather |
University of Iowa vs Michigan State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
University of Iowa ranks #530 in QS and 251-300th in Times Higher Education whereas Michigan State University ranks #161 in QS and 122 in Times Higher Education. By subject, Michigan State University is highly respected in Education, Agriculture, Business, and Communication, frequently ranking in the world top 50–100. University of Iowa excels in Creative Writing, Health Sciences, Business, and Law, with its Iowa Writers' Workshop being globally renowned.
General Information
The University of Iowa, established in 1847, is situated in Iowa City, Iowa, with a total enrollment of around 30,000 students. It is famous for its liberal arts heritage, health sciences, and writing and arts focus.
Michigan State University, founded in 1855 in East Lansing, Michigan, is among the biggest universities in the United States, with about 50,000 students. Michigan State University is a public research giant, boasting a diverse academic curriculum and extensive international reach.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The University of Iowa has an 84.7 percent acceptance rate, with it being generally open to most students but selective for some programs like business, nursing, and creative writing.Michigan State University accepts around 84 percent of applicants, with admission to competitive majors like engineering, business, and communication being more selective.
Research Impact & Facilities
The University of Iowa is an R1 research university with strong areas of medicine, neuroscience, writing, and engineering. Its University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics rank as among the best in the Midwest.Michigan State University is an R1 research university with a broader research portfolio, leading in agriculture, nuclear physics, supply chain management, and social sciences. Its Facility for Rare Isotope Beams is a world-renowned research center.
Cost & Financial Aid
International students pay around $32,000–$38,000 annually at both schools, not including the cost of living.
The University of Iowa provides international students with merit-based scholarships, particularly at the undergraduate level.
Michigan State University offers a vast number of merit- and need-based awards, as well as global fellowships, but costs are slightly more in total due to the greater size of the university.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
The University of Iowa graduates are well known in the field of medicine, law, creative writing, and public service, and a majority of its alumni hold prominent cultural and healthcare positions.
Michigan State University alumni have a wider international alumni network with successful outcomes in business, sports management, communication, and agricultural science with the backing of its scale and industry allies.On a general note, the University of Iowa will suit students who want top health sciences, writing, and law education in a mid-sized town, while Michigan State University provides wider worldwide recognition, particularly in STEM, agriculture, and business, in a large public research setting.
