Duke vs Mississippi State University Introduction
Selecting the right university is a crucial decision that can impact a student’s future academic and professional success. In this article, we will compare Duke University and Mississippi State University, examining factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and more to help students make an informed choice.
Duke Overview
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a private research university known for its strong academics, research opportunities, and athletics. Founded in 1838, Duke has grown to be one of the top-ranked universities in the United States, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines.
Duke Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost for attending Duke University for one academic year is $78,608, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Duke offers financial aid to eligible students, which can help to offset the total cost of attendance. Approximately 52% of Duke students receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships.
Duke Admissions
Admission to Duke is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8.9% for the class of 2024. Duke evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and potential to contribute to the university community. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1480 to 1570, and ACT scores ranged from 33 to 35.
Duke Degrees Offered
Duke University offers over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 45 minors, as well as graduate and professional degrees in fields such as business, law, engineering, and medicine. Some of the most popular majors at Duke include biology, economics, public policy, and psychology.
Duke Academics
Students at Duke benefit from a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for smaller class sizes and personalized attention from professors. The university also offers numerous research opportunities, study abroad programs, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Duke Diversity
Duke University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. In the fall of 2021, 45% of the undergraduate students identified as students of color, and 12% were international students. Duke also supports various programs and initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Duke Students
Duke has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,682 students, and the campus is known for its vibrant student life. Students can participate in over 400 clubs and organizations, intramural and club sports, and numerous community service opportunities.
Duke Campus
Duke’s campus spans over 8,600 acres and is divided into East, West, and Central campuses. The picturesque campus features Gothic architecture, beautiful gardens, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students can take advantage of various amenities, including libraries, dining options, and recreational facilities.
Duke Alumni
Duke boasts a strong alumni network of over 180,000 individuals worldwide. Notable alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, journalist Charlie Rose, and philanthropist Melinda Gates.
Duke Rankings
Duke University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Duke was ranked 9th among National Universities and 3rd for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Duke Outcomes
Duke graduates enjoy excellent career outcomes, with 96% of the Class of 2020 securing full-time employment, attending graduate school, or pursuing other opportunities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Duke graduates is $70,000.
Mississippi State University Overview
Mississippi State University (MSU), located in Starkville, Mississippi, is a public research university founded in 1878. MSU is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and natural resources management. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines.
Mississippi State University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost for attending Mississippi State University for one academic year is $26,338 for in-state students and $41,338 for out-of-state students, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with approximately 86% of MSU students receiving some form of aid.
Mississippi State University Admissions
The acceptance rate at Mississippi State University is around 62%, making it a moderately selective institution. MSU considers an applicant’s high school GPA, test scores, class rank, and extracurricular involvement during the admissions process. The middle 50% of admitted students’ SAT scores ranged from 1100 to 1270, and ACT scores ranged from 22 to 29.
Mississippi State University Degrees Offered
Mississippi State University offers over 175 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees in fields such as veterinary medicine, engineering, and business. Popular majors at MSU include engineering, business, and agriculture.
Mississippi State University Academics
MSU provides a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, offering students access to faculty and opportunities for hands-on learning and research. MSU also has a strong commitment to research, with several research centers and institutes focused on topics such as aerospace, agriculture, and energy.
Mississippi State University Diversity
Mississippi State University is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. In the fall of 2021, 30% of the undergraduate student population identified as students of color, and 3% were international students. MSU offers various programs and initiatives to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Mississippi State University Students
MSU has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 18,792 students. The campus offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations, Greek life, and athletics, providing students with numerous opportunities for involvement and personal growth.
Mississippi State University Campus
The MSU campus spans 4,200 acres, featuring diverse facilities, including research centers, agricultural facilities, and modern classroom buildings. Students can enjoy various amenities, such as dining options, recreational facilities, and cultural events.
Mississippi State University Alumni
Mississippi State University has a vast alumni network, including notable individuals such as author John Grisham, former NFL player Jerry Rice, and astronaut Fred Haise.
Mississippi State University Rankings
MSU is ranked 97th among National Universities and 48th among Top Public Schools in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Mississippi State University Outcome
Graduates of Mississippi State University have a solid foundation for their future careers. The university’s career center reports that 82% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for MSU graduates is $45,000.
Duke vs Mississippi State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, Duke University is significantly more expensive than Mississippi State University. However, Duke offers substantial financial aid packages that can help mitigate the overall cost. Prospective students should consider their individual financial situation, potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and the value of the education and experiences offered at each institution when making their decision.
Duke vs Mississippi State University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Duke University are highly competitive, with a much lower acceptance rate compared to Mississippi State University. Prospective students must demonstrate strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities to be considered for admission to Duke. In contrast, Mississippi State University has a more moderate acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students.
Duke vs Mississippi State University Academic Difficulty
Both Duke University and Mississippi State University are reputable institutions with rigorous academic programs. However, Duke is often considered more academically prestigious due to its higher rankings and more selective admissions process. Students at both universities will be challenged academically, but those attending Duke may find the academic environment more competitive and demanding.
Duke vs Mississippi State University Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Duke University and Mississippi State University have strong career prospects, but Duke graduates generally enjoy higher starting salaries and greater success in securing employment or pursuing further education. Mississippi State University graduates still have promising career trajectories, but the outcomes may not be as favorable as those for Duke graduates.
Ultimately, the choice between Duke University and Mississippi State University depends on a student’s individual needs, preferences, and goals. Both institutions offer unique opportunities for personal and academic growth, and prospective students should carefully consider the factors discussed in this comparison to determine which university is the best fit for them.
