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College Comparison

Michigan State vs University at Buffalo: Which is Better?

Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.

School

Michigan State

East Lansing, MI

School

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricMichigan StateUB Buffalo
Acceptance Rate83.9%69.3%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1150–13501210–1380wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)26–3127–32wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,372$30,572wins
Avg Net Price$20,751$20,470wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$67,253$70,814wins
Graduation Rate82.2%wins73.4%
Retention Rate91.4%wins84.5%
Student–Faculty Ratio17:111:1wins
Total Enrollment40,243wins20,284

Verdict

Based on the data above, UB Buffalo 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.

Michigan State Strengths

  • Graduation Rate: 82.2%
  • Retention Rate: 91.4%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,243

UB Buffalo Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 69.3%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1210–1380
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 27–32
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $30,572

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