Michigan State University vs CU Boulder: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Michigan State University and University of Colorado Boulder, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Michigan State University vs CU Boulder at a glance
Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and CU Boulder 78.1% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,322 at Michigan State University and $23,708 at CU Boulder. Six-year graduation rates are 80.3% and 74.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and CU Boulder 78.1%, so CU Boulder is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,322 a year at Michigan State University and $23,708 at CU Boulder; Michigan State University costs $2,386 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,741 at Michigan State University and $13,403 at CU Boulder.
- 80.3% of students graduate within six years at Michigan State University, against 74.3% at CU Boulder.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $74,168 for Michigan State University and $77,574 for CU Boulder; CU Boulder is $3,406 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at Michigan State University and $18,500 at CU Boulder.
- Michigan State University enrolls 40,922 students (small city) and CU Boulder 31,939 (midsize city).
Side by side
Michigan State University and CU Boulder in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Michigan State University | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% | 78.1% |
| Applicants | 50,630 | 54,756 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1180–1360 | 1240–1430 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–31 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,322 | $23,708 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,256 | $17,513 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,640 | $47,142 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,710 | $37,189 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,741 | $13,403 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,883 | $13,558 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,300 | $16,684 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,082 | $21,719 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,356 | $34,026 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 80.3% | 74.3% |
| First-year retention | 90.1% | 90.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $74,168 | $77,574 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $18,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $210 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 40,922 | 31,939 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Midsize |
| Location | East Lansing, MI | Boulder, CO |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Michigan State University reports 104 bachelor's programs and CU Boulder 69; 48 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Michigan State University vs CU Boulder
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Michigan State University or CU Boulder?
CU Boulder is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Michigan State University admits 84.8% of applicants and CU Boulder admits 78.1%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Michigan State University 1180–1360; CU Boulder 1240–1430.
Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or CU Boulder?
Michigan State University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,322 a year at Michigan State University against $23,708 at CU Boulder. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,741 and $13,403. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Michigan State University or CU Boulder graduates earn more?
CU Boulder graduates earn more at the median: $74,168 ten years after entry for Michigan State University and $77,574 for CU Boulder. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $18,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Michigan State University or CU Boulder?
Michigan State University does: 80.3% of Michigan State University students graduate within six years, against 74.3% at CU Boulder.
How big are Michigan State University and CU Boulder?
Michigan State University has 40,922 students in East Lansing, MI and CU Boulder has 31,939 students in Boulder, CO.