Butler vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Butler vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Michigan State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Michigan State University than Butler ($23,657 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan State University are 23.5% lower than at Butler University ($12,564 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 189% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $31,102 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Butler than at Michigan State University (about $3,718 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $43,842.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at Michigan State University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 185% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($27,790 vs. $9,750).

Butler vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Michigan State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Michigan State and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 10 points higher than at Butler (1260).
• Incoming Butler students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Michigan State (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Michigan State (84.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Butler vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Michigan State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Michigan State graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $60,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $1,516 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($25,484 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.