oakland university vs michigan state university

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

Overview Comparison
Oakland UniversityMichigan State University
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 106.1 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
ProgramsUG Programs -84
PG Programs -50
UG Programs -144
PG Programs -88
Doctorate Programs -8
Acceptance Rate88.0 %84.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-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 StudyAverage 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:

  • PhD  : $136,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $100,000 
  • Bachelor of Science : $90,000 

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 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 Reviews8.0/10 Read 2 reviews7.5/10 Read 14 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -36972Total 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
General Facts Comparison
General FactsOakland UniversityMichigan State University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1957
1855
Student:Faculty Ratio19:1
17:1
Male:Female44% Male, 56% Female49% 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 : 

  • 760,050 e-books
  • 493,675 print book volumes
  • 101,480 e-journals
  • 3,635 print journals
  • 323,367 digital media
  • 220 online databases
  • Special Collections
  • University Archives
  • Library OneSearch, a single-search tool

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
  • Over 600 athletes participate in club sports with University Recreation and Well-Being each year in more than 30 student-run groups. All levels of competition are offered, with clubs that instruct new sports and skills facing intense competition.
  •  The wellness team works together throughout campus to offer all students enlightening, excellent health and wellness activities, and educational opportunities. Resident assistants, academic peer mentors, advisors, academic instructors, student groups, etc. can all request wellness workshops and activities. All are welcome to attend programs, workshops, and activities.
  • There is a 50-meter stretch pool with 1,000 spectator seats and 670 participant deck spaces at the Oakland University Aquatic Center. The Oakland University NCAA Division 1 swim team calls the Aquatic Center it's home and it regularly conducts state and regional competitions in addition to being used for leisure by members.
  • To satisfy the requirements of a varied campus community, Oakland University's Rec Well Sports program offers a range of activities. The program provides both competitive and recreational activities with the goal of engaging university affiliates—students, teachers, staff, and others—in activities that encourage lifelong fitness and wellness practices.
  • The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Oakland University is a preeminent institution for the study of performing arts in southeast Michigan, providing exceptional learning and performance opportunities to undergraduate, graduate, and community members.
  • You are likely to find your passion and make it your purpose with more than 300 student clubs to select from, as well as innumerable activities and leadership opportunities.
  • An excellent on-the-go snack spot is the Atrium Cafe in the Human Health Building, which serves coffee, bagels, soup, doughnuts, fruit, salad, sandwiches, and more.
  • Oakland University's unique food court, the Pioneer Food Court (Oakland Center), includes restaurants like Subway, Panda Express, and Wild Blue - Japanese Kitchen.

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
Comparison Notes

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.