Michigan State University vs Central Michigan University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Michigan State University comes out ahead: 79/100 to 51/100, a 28-point edge over Central Michigan University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Central Michigan University runs $17,597 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University - $2,083 more a year, or about $8,332 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Michigan State University graduates earn a median $67,253 against $55,874 at Central Michigan University. The cost earns itself back in 6.8 years at Michigan State University and 10.1 years at Central Michigan University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Michigan State University owing a median $23,250 versus $27,000 at Central Michigan University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.72 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
On the money, this one isn't close: Michigan State University clearly outperforms Central Michigan University (79 vs 51), a 28-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Central Michigan University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Michigan State University.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.