At $20,751/yr net price, Michigan State University graduates earn $67,253/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,253/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,751 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,253/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,253/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,119/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,980/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,378/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,940/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,327/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
82.2% of students at Michigan State University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Michigan State University delivers solid financial returns for most majors, with median earnings of $67,253 placing graduates well above the national average while keeping costs reasonable at $20,751 annually. The numbers work particularly well if you target the right programs.
Business and engineering dominate the earnings environment. General business majors earn $123,886 annually, though you'll graduate with $78,686 in debt. Business administration offers a better debt-to-income ratio at $98,481 in earnings with $51,250 in debt. Nursing provides steady returns at $96,183 with moderate debt of $48,355. Electrical engineering rounds out the top earners at $90,412.
The school's location in Michigan creates both opportunities and limitations. You'll benefit from strong connections to Detroit's automotive industry and the state's growing tech sector, but economic downturns in manufacturing can impact job availability for certain majors.
MSU works best financially if you're in-state and pursuing business, engineering, or healthcare. The 82% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees, but the relatively low 20% of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't strongly generous.
Avoid MSU if you're paying out-of-state tuition for lower-earning majors or if you need substantial financial aid. The debt levels in some programs, particularly general business, require careful consideration of your career goals and earning potential.
Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning majors while minimizing borrowing. In-state students in business or STEM fields will find MSU delivers strong value, while out-of-state students should compare costs carefully against similar programs elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Michigan State University worth the cost?
Michigan State offers solid value with a net price of $20,751 and median earnings of $67,253 ten years after graduation. The relatively low debt burden of $23,250 and strong graduation rate of 82% make it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Michigan State University?
Business and engineering programs at Michigan State deliver the strongest returns, with general business graduates earning around $123,886 and electrical engineering graduates making $90,412. Nursing and educational administration also show solid earning potential above $90,000.
How much debt do Michigan State University graduates have?
Michigan State graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable compared to the typical starting salaries in their top programs. This debt level is reasonable given the school's earning outcomes.
Does Michigan State University have good job placement after graduation?
With an 82% graduation rate and median earnings of $67,253 after ten years, Michigan State produces graduates who find stable employment. The school's large alumni network and strong programs in business and engineering help with job placement.