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Boston University vs Michigan State University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

26
Boston Wins
6
Tied / N/A
14
Michigan Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
18,248
Enrollment
40,922
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
85%
1480
SAT Average
1269
33
ACT Midpoint
26
1420-1530
SAT Range
1180-1360

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$16,458
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$43,842
$24,402
Average Net Price
$19,680
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,068
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$10,830
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$16,521
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$28,546
19%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
34%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
81%
95%
Retention Rate
90%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,468
17%
First-Gen Students
21%

Student Body

65%
Female
55%
32%
White
67%
11%
Hispanic
7%
6%
Black
7%
21%
Asian
8%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.53

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$55,084
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$62,777
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$23,250
Median Debt
$23,250
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35x
81%
Earning Above HS
76%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
138.78%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3392.0%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
409.1%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$120,400

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.48
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.09
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
7.7%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#122
53.6
Teaching Score
50.4
51.9
Research Score
52.7
91.4
Citations Score
63.7

The Overviews

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 89% grad $83,238 earnings $24,402 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.

After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.

When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

85% accept 81% grad $67,253 earnings $19,680 net

With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.

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