Michigan State University vs Central Michigan University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Michigan State University holds a 28-point ROI advantage over Central Michigan University, scoring 79/100 versus 51/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Central Michigan University comes in at $17,597 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,680 at Michigan State University - a difference of $2,083 annually, or roughly $8,332 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Michigan State University graduates earn a median of $67,253 compared to $55,874 at Central Michigan University. The payback period is 6.8 years at Michigan State University versus 10.1 years at Central Michigan University.
Graduates leave Michigan State University with a median $23,250 in debt versus $27,000 at Central Michigan University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.72 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Michigan State University | Central Michigan Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,458 | $14,760 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $43,842 | $14,760 |
| Net Price (avg) | $19,680 | $17,597 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $78,720 | $70,388 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,200 | $37,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $67,253 | $55,874 |
| Graduation Rate | 80.7% | 58.7% |
| Payback Period | 6.8 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $23,250 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $246 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.72 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.5% | 65.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 75.6% | 60.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.8% | 89.8% |
| Enrollment | 40,922 | 10,035 |
| SAT Range | 1180-1360 | 960-1200 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Michigan State Unive... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,068 | $12,185 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,830 | $12,139 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $16,521 | $13,601 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $22,703 | $16,269 |
| $110,001+ | $28,546 | $21,403 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Michigan State Unive... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $116,905 | $73,112 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,017 | $79,906 |
| Electrical Engineering | $100,481 | $91,542 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,946 | $85,196 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $97,236 | $77,768 |
| Accounting | $96,093 | $80,551 |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $95,387 | $86,839 |
| Statistics | $93,930 | $81,853 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $91,187 | $74,113 |
| Marketing | $90,453 | $75,661 |
| Human Resources Management | $85,886 | $73,340 |
| Economics | $79,428 | $65,174 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $74,709 | $61,331 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $58,046 | $73,316 |
| Non-Professional Legal Studies | $72,414 | $57,108 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Michigan State Unive... | Central Michigan Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 83 | 66 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 84 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 71 | 25 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 90 | 58 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 53 | 26 |
| Overall ROI Score | 79 | 51 |
The Verdict
Michigan State University significantly outperforms Central Michigan University on financial ROI (79 vs 51). The 28-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Central Michigan University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors Michigan State University.
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Michigan State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Central Michigan University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.