College Comparison
Boston University vs Michigan State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
Michigan State
East Lansing, MI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 83.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | 1150–1350 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 26–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $43,372wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996 | $20,751wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238wins | $67,253 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0%wins | 82.2% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 91.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850 | 40,243wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston University edges out Michigan State on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,238
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,751
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
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