Michigan State University
About Michigan State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. It is one of the largest universities in the country and is known for its programs in education, business, engineering, and agriculture. MSU was a pioneer in the land-grant university model.
Founded
1855
Location
East Lansing, Michigan
Students
51,777
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
80.7%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$16,458
Out-of-state: $43,842
Avg Net Price
$19,680
After financial aid
SAT Average
1269
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$67,253
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
Michigan State University accepts the majority of applicants at 84.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1269/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
80.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
90.1%
4-Year Grad
59%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
85.9%
$/Student
$19.4K
Class Size
Medium
While 59% finish in 4 years, 90.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$16,458
In-State
$43,842
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,564
Books & Supplies
$1,380
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,198
After Financial Aid
$19,680
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,068
Receive Grants
20.1%
Take Loans
33.6%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,198/yr for in-state students, including $12,564 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $19,680. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $43,842.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Michigan State University fund their education.
While in School
20.1%
Get Grants
Free money
33.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$70,982
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Michigan State University.
Gender
51.7%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
40,922
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
10,855
Graduates
21%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 21% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
40,922
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +East Lansing is a vibrant Big Ten college town
- +Massive campus with its own river and farmland
- +Strong alumni network in education and agriculture
- +Spartan athletics create passionate school spirit
Cons
- -Michigan winters are long and cold
- -Campus is so large a bike or bus is necessary
- -Large class sizes in many departments
- -East Lansing nightlife is limited beyond campus
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Michigan State University fields 14 varsity teams with 866 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
866
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
422
Men
444
Women
9
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Michigan State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$67,253
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$26K
516 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
496 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$71K
448 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$45K
444 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$86K
372 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$68K
350 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $55K at six years, $53K at eight, and $67K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Michigan State University
What is the acceptance rate at Michigan State University?▾
How much does Michigan State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Michigan State University?▾
How much do Michigan State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.