About Michigan State University
The financial picture works well for most families, especially Michigan residents who pay $15,988 in tuition compared to $43,372 for out-of-state students. After financial aid, the average student pays $20,751 annually, which makes sense when graduates earn a median of $67,253 ten years after leaving school. Students typically graduate with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246, which most can handle given the employment rate of 95.8%.
As a Big Ten school, Michigan State offers serious athletics alongside academics, with 660 student-athletes competing in 19 varsity sports. The 82.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the support systems in place for a diverse student body that's 79.72% in-state. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, you won't get lost in the crowd despite the large size.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.2%
- Retention Rate
- 91.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,253
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $123,886 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $101,072 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $98,481 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,183 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $90,412 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $89,435 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,129 |
| Food Science and Technology. | Master | $83,915 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $83,915 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,133 |
Campus Life
The campus spans over 5,000 acres with the Red Cedar River running through it, giving students plenty of green space even in a city setting. Weekends mean Spartan football and basketball games, where the 79.72% in-state student body creates an intense home-state pride atmosphere. The rivalry with University of Michigan runs deep, and when the Spartans play the Wolverines, the entire campus stops. Students hang out at the Union, explore the campus farms (this is still an agricultural powerhouse), or head to Grand River Avenue for restaurants and bars. The college town vibe means most entertainment revolves around campus, creating tight-knit communities within the larger student body.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 17,503 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1855
Campus Safety (2023)
359 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 38 | 27 | 5 | 0 |
| Stalking | 47 | 17 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 38 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 40 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 22 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 15 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 13 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–30°F
- July Avg
- 61°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.4%
- White
- 67.2%
- Black
- 6.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.2%
- Asian
- 8.0%
- In-State Students
- 79.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.0%
Location
- Address
- East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1046
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,253
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $71,282
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Michigan State University?
Michigan State University accepts 87.95% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1260, with middle 50% scores ranging from 1160 to 1360. This Big Ten research university prioritizes building a large, diverse student body of over 40,000 students.
How much does Michigan State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Michigan State is $20,751 across all income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,119 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost. Only 20.02% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mix of middle-class and affluent families.
What academic programs is Michigan State University known for?
Michigan State excels in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and communications as a major research institution. The university maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio despite its size of 40,243 students. Founded in 1855, MSU has built a reputation for practical, career-focused education alongside modern research.
What are the job outcomes for Michigan State University graduates?
MSU graduates earn a median salary of $67,253 ten years after graduation, with 95.8% finding employment. The typical graduate leaves with $23,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $246. The university's strong alumni network, including figures like Magic Johnson and Shonda Rhimes, helps open doors in various industries.
Where is Michigan State University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in East Lansing, Michigan, a classic college town that revolves around the 40,000-student campus. Housing capacity reaches 17,503 students, creating a active residential experience. As a Big Ten school, Spartan athletics and school spirit dominate campus culture throughout the academic year.
How does Michigan State University compare to its biggest rival?
The rivalry with University of Michigan runs deep, with MSU often seen as the more accessible alternative to its strong neighbor. While Michigan State's 87.95% acceptance rate contrasts sharply with U-M's selectivity, MSU's 82.20% six-year graduation rate shows strong student success. The Spartans compete directly with the Wolverines in Big Ten athletics, where school pride reaches its peak.
