Mississippi State University vs Georgia Southern University Introduction
When deciding on which college to attend, prospective students often face the challenging task of comparing their top choices. In this comparison guide, we will be examining two universities: Mississippi State University (MSU) and Georgia Southern University (GSU). We will compare various aspects of each institution, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Read on to see how these two schools stack up against each other.
Mississippi State University Overview
Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Starkville, Mississippi. Founded in 1878, MSU has a rich history and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. As a land-grant institution, MSU is particularly known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and natural resources programs. The university has a student population of approximately 22,000 and is the largest university in the state of Mississippi.
Mississippi State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state undergraduate students at Mississippi State University is approximately $8,650 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $23,950. Financial aid is available to qualifying students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Mississippi State University Admissions
Admissions at MSU are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 57%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a completed application. The average ACT score for admitted students is 24-29, while the average SAT score is 1120-1320. Additionally, MSU has a minimum high school GPA requirement of 2.0.
Mississippi State University Degrees Offered
Mississippi State offers over 175 degrees across its eight colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture, Art, and Design, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, Bagley College of Engineering, College of Forest Resources, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Mississippi State University Academics
MSU is committed to providing a top-notch education to its students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 33%, and a six-year graduation rate of 61%.
Mississippi State University Diversity
MSU prides itself on its diverse student population, with students representing all 50 U.S. states and over 70 countries. The university has a 24% minority enrollment, with African American students making up the largest minority group at 19%.
Mississippi State University Students
Mississippi State has a vibrant student life, with over 300 student organizations available to join. Additionally, the university has an active Greek life, with over 20 fraternity and sorority chapters on campus. MSU also offers intramural and club sports for those interested in athletics outside of the NCAA Division I level.
Mississippi State University Campus
MSU’s campus is spread across 4,200 acres in Starkville, Mississippi, and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The Drill Field, located in the heart of campus, serves as a central gathering place for students and hosts various events throughout the year. The university also boasts state-of-the-art research facilities and recreational centers.
Mississippi State University Alumni
Mississippi State has a strong alumni network, with over 145,000 alumni worldwide. Some notable alumni include former NFL player Jerry Rice, astronaut Fred Haise, and author John Grisham.
Mississippi State University Rankings
US News & World Report ranks Mississippi State University at #211 in its National Universities category. The university’s engineering program is ranked #97, while its computer science program is ranked #172.
Mississippi State University Outcomes
Graduates of Mississippi State University have a strong record of success, with a first-year retention rate of 80%. The university also has a job placement rate of 70% within six months of graduation.
Georgia Southern University Overview
Georgia Southern University (GSU) is a public university located in Statesboro, Georgia. Established in 1906, GSU has grown to include three campuses and offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has a student population of around 27,000 and is known for its strong business, education, and nursing programs.
Georgia Southern University Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at Georgia Southern University can expect to pay around $6,356 in tuition per year, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $17,142. Financial aid options are available to qualifying students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Georgia Southern University Admissions
Admissions at GSU are considered somewhat selective, with an acceptance rate of around 65%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a completed application. The average ACT score for admitted students is 21-26, while the average SAT score is 1060-1250.
Georgia Southern University Degrees Offered
GSU offers over 120 degrees across its nine colleges, including the College of Arts & Humanities, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering & Computing, College of Health Professions, College of Public Health, College of Science & Mathematics, and the Allen E. Paulson College of Aviation.
Georgia Southern University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, Georgia Southern University strives to provide a quality education to its students. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 24%, and a six-year graduation rate of 50%.
Georgia Southern University Diversity
GSU is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. The university has a minority enrollment of 39%, with African American students comprising the largest minority group at 28%.
Georgia Southern University Students
Student life at Georgia Southern is lively and engaging, with over 200 student organizations available for students to join. The university also offers intramural sports, club sports, and Greek life options for students looking to get involved outside of the classroom.
Georgia Southern University Campus
The main campus of GSU is located on 900 acres in Statesboro, Georgia. The university also has two additional campuses in Savannah and Hinesville. The campus features a mix of historic and contemporary buildings and is home to various research facilities, recreational centers, and student services.
Georgia Southern University Alumni
Georgia Southern boasts a strong alumni network, with over 80,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former NFL player Adrian Peterson, country music artist Luke Bryan, and former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.
Georgia Southern University Rankings
US News & World Report ranks Georgia Southern University at #258 in its National Universities category. The university’s business program is ranked #244, while its education program is ranked #256.
Georgia Southern University Outcomes
Graduates of Georgia Southern University have a solid record of success, with a first-year retention rate of 77%. The university also has a job placement rate of 62% within six months of graduation.
Mississippi State University vs Georgia Southern University Cost Comparison
Although tuition rates at both universities are relatively affordable, in-state students at Georgia Southern University can expect to pay less for tuition compared to Mississippi State University ($6,356 vs $8,650). Out-of-state students will also find lower tuition costs at GSU ($17,142 vs $23,950). Both universities offer financial aid options for qualifying students, making it important for prospective students to research and apply for all available aid to find the best fit for their budget.
Mississippi State University vs Georgia Southern University Admissions Difficulty
Both Mississippi State University and Georgia Southern University have moderately selective admissions processes. MSU has a slightly lower acceptance rate at 57%, compared to GSU’s 65%. Additionally, MSU has higher average ACT and SAT scores for admitted students (24-29 ACT and 1120-1320 SAT) than GSU (21-26 ACT and 1060-1250 SAT).
Mississippi State University vs Georgia Southern University Academic Difficulty
While both universities strive to provide students with a high-quality education, Mississippi State University has a higher four-year graduation rate (33%) than Georgia Southern University (24%). Additionally, MSU has a higher six-year graduation rate (61%) compared to GSU (50%). These differences in graduation rates may indicate varying levels of academic difficulty and support offered at each institution.
Mississippi State University vs Georgia Southern University Outcome Comparison
Mississippi State University and Georgia Southern University both have strong records of student success. MSU has a higher first-year retention rate at 80%, compared to GSU’s 77%. Additionally, MSU graduates have a higher job placement rate within six months of graduation (70%) than GSU graduates (62%). These differences in outcomes suggest that students may find greater success post-graduation at Mississippi State University.
