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Georgia Tech vs Michigan State University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
83.0% MSU acceptance
$33,856 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
MSU
East Lansing, Michigan
Public
Founded
1855
Enrollment
51,316
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $8,896
Georgia Tech
$33,794
MSU
$42,690
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
MSU
83.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
MSU
81%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
MSU
1210
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
MSU
$60,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech MSU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$42,690Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$14,926Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$12,210MSU
Acceptance Rate16.0%83.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%81%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501210Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:117:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28551,316-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$13,400Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$83,600$60,800Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$4.3BMSU
Campus Size400 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
MSU
$219,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | MSU = $166,000. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

MSU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringBiologyCommunicationPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
MSUSuburban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
MSU5,200 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
MSUNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
MSUMidwest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
MSU1855
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
MSU51,316

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or MSU harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 83.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or MSU?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $219,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while MSU offers $13,400/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and MSU?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at MSU it is 1210. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or MSU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $60,800). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while MSU has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and MSU compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. MSU is in East Lansing, Michigan (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and MSU in NCAA D1.