Oakland University (OU) is a public university in Rochester, Michigan, with about 20,000 students. It is most well-known for Business, Engineering, Nursing, Health Sciences, and Education courses. It is somewhat selective when accepting students, with an acceptance ratio of about 88%, and its graduation ratio is about 63%. Graduates earn about INR 46,00,000 (about $55,000) about two years post-graduation.
Michigan State University (MSU) is located in East Lansing, Michigan, and is a large public research university in the United States with around 50,000 students enrolled.. Admissions are moderately competitive with an acceptance rate of around 84%, and the graduation rate is around 81%. The graduates earn a median salary of around INR 55,00,000 (around $65,000) a few years post-graduation
Oakland University | Michigan State University | |
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Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
ranking (overall) | # 1200 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 Times Higher Education 2025 # 1285 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 105 Times Higher Education 2026 # 161 QS World University 2026 # 122 Times Higher Education 2025 |
Subject Strength | # 801 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 1001 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 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 -84 PG Programs -50 | UG Programs -144 PG Programs -88 Doctorate Programs -8 |
Acceptance Rate | 88.0 % | 84.0 % |
Exam Score | Duolingo-100 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1010 TOEFL-79 | Duolingo-110 GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1100 TOEFL-79 |
Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 19788 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16432 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 8190 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 41492 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 28280 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 12564 Per Year |
placement (average package) | Average Salaries by Degree:
| 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 exam scores Submit English language requirements 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 | 8.0/10 Read 2 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 14 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -36972 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
Return on Investment/Average Package | #Average Salary80400 | #Average Salary |
documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
Other Popular Comparisons
General Facts | Oakland University | Michigan State University |
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Type of University | University | University |
Established | 1957 | 1855 |
Student:Faculty Ratio | 19:1 | 17:1 |
Male:Female | 44% Male, 56% Female | 49% Male, 51% Female |
Location Facts | Oakland University is located in southeastern Michigan between Flint and Detroit. The 1,441-acre campus actually extends into two cities, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, between Adams Road and Squirrel Road, just south of Walton Boulevard. | located in East Lansing, Michigan; perched on the banks of Red Cedar River; spread over 5,300 acres with 563 buildings on-campus. |
Library | Oakland University’s Libraries support the educational, research, and public service mission of the University by providing user-centered teaching, services, resources, and learning environments for the entire OU community. The University Libraries are committed to fostering academic excellence and knowledge creation, and promoting information literacy within the campus community and beyond. Collection details of the library :
| 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 |
| 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 | #Double room rate-- Per Semester - $4001 #Two-person private-bedroom suite rate - $4189 | #Food and housing - $12564 |
Famous Alumni | After graduating from Oakland University, students automatically and without charge join the alumni association. Students who join this organization are eligible for advantages and discounts at Brook Hall, the theatre, the art gallery, the bookstore, and the cinema book club. Some of the noteworthy alumni from Oakland University are Curtis Armstrong: Film and TV actor, Rob Shelby: Music Producer, Fran Amos: State Representative, Deborah Cherry: Senator, David J. Doyle: Politician, and Gary Yourofsky: Animal Right Activist. | 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 | This city with a historic past continues to thrive. Michigan City and its residents have so much to enjoy compared to other cities and towns in Northwest Indiana. From its lakefront location to its thriving local economy Michigan City is one of the best places to live in Indiana.Michigan is home to many stunning beaches, great winter activities, and small-town charm attracting millions each year. There's no shortage of things to do in this state, from being a foodie paradise to cheering on your favorite sport. | 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 |
Oakland University vs Michigan State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Oakland University (OU): A regional public university, 651-680 in QS ranking 2026 and 1000-1200 THE world ranking It is recognized for Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, Engineering, and Education.Michigan State University (MSU): Placed at approximately 161 in QS ranking 2026 and 122 THE world ranking, MSU is a public research university of the highest level with international excellence in Agriculture, Business, Education, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences.
General Information
OU, located in Rochester, Michigan, is a smaller university with ~20,000 students offering an intimate campus life and professionally oriented programs. MSU, found in East Lansing, boasts over 50,000 students and a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs served by an expansive campus community and international research presence.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
OU has moderately competitive admissions with an emphasis on high school GPA and preparation for professional fields. MSU is more selective, particularly in Engineering, Business, and highly competitive STEM programs, with an emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular activities
Research Impact & Facilities
OU's power is in applied research and instructional facilities, especially in health sciences, engineering, and business. MSU has state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), agricultural innovation hubs, and large libraries, which place it at the forefront of research contributions.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are state universities with reduced tuition for in-state residents and increased fees for out-of-state and foreign students. OU offers merit scholarships and financial assistance mainly to regional students, whereas MSU has a more diversified portfolio of domestic, foreign, and research-based scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
OU graduates are very marketable throughout Michigan's regional industries, specifically in health care, business, and engineering. MSU graduates enjoy an international alumni base, excellent employer connections, and high placement in a wide range of fields such as STEM, business, public policy, and agriculture, frequently achieving national and international leadership positions.