Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan · Public · 84.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
Michigan State University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $16,458/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $43,842/yr |
| Average net price | $19,680/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $78,720 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,253 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 80.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 40,922 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,068 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,830 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,521 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,703 |
| $110,001+ | $28,546 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Michigan State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $64,018 | F |
| Psychology | $56,040 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $91,187 | B+ |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $69,300 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $116,905 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,017 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,807 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $67,290 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,946 | B+ |
| Economics | $79,428 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Michigan State University is $16,458/year ($43,842/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,680/year, or roughly $78,720 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,068/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,546/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $67,253 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.51 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 70.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 75.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 84.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 590-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 590-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-31 |
| Enrollment | 40,922 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,468 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University (this school) | 79 | $19,680 | $67,253 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 80 | $25,346 | $69,738 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 76 | $13,951 | $63,199 |
| University of Arizona | 75 | $16,674 | $59,979 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Michigan State University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $19,680 per year ($78,720 over four years), graduates earn a median of $67,253 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.8 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 80.7% graduation rate.
Median debt of $23,250 against $67,253 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.