College Comparison
Michigan State vs University of Colorado Boulder: 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 of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 83.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1230–1420wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 28–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $41,943wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751wins | $21,480 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $69,738wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 91.4%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 31,578 |
Verdict
Michigan State and CU Boulder are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,751
- ✓Graduation Rate: 82.2%
- ✓Retention Rate: 91.4%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
CU Boulder Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 83.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1230–1420
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $41,943
Want a deeper comparison?
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