Michigan State University vs University of Colorado Boulder
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Michigan State University and University of Colorado Boulder come out about even on financial return. Michigan State University scores 79/100 and University of Colorado Boulder scores 80/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Michigan State University runs $19,680 a year against $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder - $5,666 more a year, or about $22,664 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn a median $69,738 against $67,253 at Michigan State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.8 years at Michigan State University and 6.9 years at University of Colorado Boulder.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Colorado Boulder owing a median $19,500 versus $23,250 at Michigan State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.46 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. University of Colorado Boulder edges out Michigan State University by 1 points (80 vs 79), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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.