Michigan State University vs University of Colorado Boulder
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Michigan State University and University of Colorado Boulder are closely matched on financial return. Michigan State University scores 79/100 while University of Colorado Boulder scores 80/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, Michigan State University comes in at $19,680 per year (net price after aid) versus $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - a difference of $5,666 annually, or roughly $22,664 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median of $69,738 compared to $67,253 at Michigan State University. The payback period is 6.8 years at Michigan State University versus 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder with a median $19,500 in debt versus $23,250 at Michigan State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.46 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Michigan State University | University of Colorado Bo... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,458 | $15,666 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $43,842 | $44,918 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,680 | $25,346 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $78,720 | $101,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,200 | $42,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $67,253 | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.7% | 74.2% |
| Payback Period | 6.8 yr | 6.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $246 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.46 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.5% | 82.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 75.6% | 77.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.8% | 78.1% |
| Enrollment | 40,922 | 31,939 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1360 | 1240-1430 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Michigan State Unive... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,068 | $14,231 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,830 | $14,381 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,521 | $18,828 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,703 | $26,915 |
| $110,001+ | $28,546 | $34,818 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Michigan State Unive... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $104,627 | $115,181 |
| Chemical Engineering | $102,223 | $95,780 |
| Electrical Engineering | $100,481 | $100,631 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,946 | $93,073 |
| Civil Engineering | $90,650 | $94,960 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $91,187 | $86,441 |
| Mathematics | $72,226 | $90,635 |
| Economics | $79,428 | $73,319 |
| Physics | $33,400 | $75,764 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $69,300 | $74,779 |
| Astronomy and Astrophysics | $33,373 | $72,698 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $45,167 | $72,306 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $58,046 | $71,942 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $61,309 | $71,444 |
| International Relations | $67,032 | $69,651 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Michigan State Unive... | University of Colora... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 75 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 84 | 83 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 71 | 80 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 53 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 79 | 80 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Colorado Boulder edges out Michigan State University by 1 points (80 vs 79), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Michigan State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.