When deciding on a university, it’s important to compare different aspects of each institution to determine which one is the best fit for your needs and goals. In this comparison, we will be looking at Michigan State University (MSU) and the University at Buffalo (UB). We’ll compare factors such as cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
MSU Overview
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, Michigan, is a renowned public research university founded in 1855. MSU is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences. The university enrolls over 39,000 undergraduate students and offers a wide range of degree programs.
MSU Costs & Tuition
The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at MSU are around $14,460 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $39,766 per year. This does not include room and board, which can add an additional $10,522 per year. Financial aid is available, with around 65% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
MSU Admissions
MSU has an acceptance rate of around 71%, making it a moderately selective school. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and their SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1100 and 1320, while the average ACT score ranges from 23 to 29.
MSU Degrees Offered
Michigan State University offers over 200 undergraduate degree programs, including popular majors such as Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences. Additionally, MSU offers a variety of graduate and professional programs, including law, veterinary medicine, and education.
MSU Academics
MSU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and natural sciences. The university has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, MSU offers numerous research opportunities, with over $700 million in annual research expenditures.
MSU Diversity
Michigan State University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. Approximately 24% of the undergraduate student population is made up of underrepresented minorities, making MSU a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.
MSU Students
MSU boasts a vibrant campus life, with over 900 student organizations and clubs to choose from. Additionally, the university has a strong athletic program and is a member of the Big Ten Conference.
MSU Campus
The MSU campus spans over 5,200 acres, featuring beautiful landscapes, modern facilities, and numerous resources for students. The campus is home to the MSU Museum, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and the Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum.
MSU Alumni
MSU has a strong alumni network, with over 540,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, and author Richard Ford.
MSU Rankings
Michigan State University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, MSU ranks #84 among national universities and #35 among public institutions.
MSU Outcomes
MSU has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 80%, with 93% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
University at Buffalo Overview
The University at Buffalo, located in Buffalo, New York, is a premier public research university founded in 1846. It is the largest institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling over 21,000 undergraduate students. UB is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.
University at Buffalo Costs & Tuition
The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at UB are around $10,170 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $28,180 per year. Room and board expenses can add an additional $13,650 per year. Financial aid is available, with around 76% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
University at Buffalo Admissions
UB has an acceptance rate of around 61%, making it a moderately selective school. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and their SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1130 and 1310, while the average ACT score ranges from 24 to 30.
University at Buffalo Degrees Offered
The University at Buffalo offers over 125 undergraduate degree programs, including popular majors such as Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Additionally, UB offers a variety of graduate and professional programs, including law, medicine, and education.
University at Buffalo Academics
UB is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and health sciences. The university has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, UB offers numerous research opportunities, with over $400 million in annual research expenditures.
University at Buffalo Diversity
The University at Buffalo has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 110 countries. Approximately 26% of the undergraduate student population is made up of underrepresented minorities, making UB a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.
University at Buffalo Students
UB boasts a vibrant campus life, with over 300 student organizations and clubs to choose from. Additionally, the university has a strong athletic program and is a member of the Mid-American Conference.
University at Buffalo Campus
The UB campus spans over 1,350 acres, featuring modern facilities, beautiful landscapes, and numerous resources for students. The campus is home to the UB Art Galleries, the Center for the Arts, and the Anderson Gallery.
University at Buffalo Alumni
UB has a strong alumni network, with over 260,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, former NASA astronaut Ellen S. Baker, and author Joyce Carol Oates.
University at Buffalo Rankings
The University at Buffalo is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, UB ranks #88 among national universities and #38 among public institutions.
University at Buffalo Outcomes
UB has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 75%, with 88% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
MSU vs University at Buffalo Cost Comparison
In terms of cost, the University at Buffalo is more affordable for in-state students, with an estimated tuition and fees of $10,170 per year compared to MSU’s $14,460 per year. However, out-of-state students will find the costs more comparable, with UB’s tuition and fees at $28,180 per year and MSU’s at $39,766 per year. Room and board expenses are slightly higher at UB, averaging $13,650 per year compared to MSU’s $10,522 per year. Both universities offer financial aid options, with a higher percentage of UB students receiving aid (76%) compared to MSU students (65%).
MSU vs University at Buffalo Admissions Difficulty
Both MSU and UB are moderately selective schools, with acceptance rates of 71% and 61%, respectively. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are similar for both universities, with MSU’s SAT range at 1100-1320 and UB’s at 1130-1310, and both schools having an average ACT range of 23-29. To increase the likelihood of admission, applicants should ensure they submit strong application materials, including high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
MSU vs University at Buffalo Academic Difficulty
Both MSU and UB are known for their strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and health sciences. MSU has a slightly higher student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 compared to UB’s 14:1, but both universities offer personalized attention from professors and numerous research opportunities. In terms of academic rigor and difficulty, students can expect a challenging and engaging experience at both institutions.
MSU vs University at Buffalo Outcome Comparison
Both MSU and UB have strong outcomes for their graduates, including high graduation rates and post-graduation success. MSU reports a slightly higher six-year graduation rate of 80% compared to UB’s 75%, and a higher percentage of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation (93% for MSU and 88% for UB). Overall, both universities provide a strong foundation for students to succeed in their chosen fields.
