Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.2%
- Retention Rate
- 91.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $67,253
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $123,886 | $78,686 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $101,072 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $98,481 | $51,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,183 | $48,355 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $90,412 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $89,435 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,129 | |
| Food Science and Technology. | Master | $83,915 | $28,404 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $83,915 | $30,375 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,133 | $23,000 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,217 | $177,857 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $77,115 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,936 | $23,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $75,291 | $22,500 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,351 | $25,314 |
Outcomes Overview
Michigan State graduates earn a median of $67,253 ten years after graduation, which creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio given the typical debt load of $23,250. Monthly loan payments of $246 represent about 4.4% of gross monthly income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong alumni network in media (think Shonda Rhimes), sports management, and agribusiness helps explain the solid 95.8% employment rate. Many graduates find work in Michigan's automotive industry or move to major markets where MSU's Big Ten brand carries weight. Agriculture and veterinary medicine graduates often command higher starting salaries that justify the investment. This represents a strong return on investment for most students.