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Colleges / MI / East Lansing
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Michigan State University

Public East Lansing, MI · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
81%
Graduation Rate
$67,253
Earnings (10yr)
$19,680
Net Price
85%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.

When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.

Rankings

How Michigan Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation81%Earnings 10yr$67KNet Price$20KRetention90%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate20%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$7K$0-30K$11K$30-48K$17K$48-75K$29K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%409.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3392.0%MOBILITY138.78%

Cost & Financial Aid

$16,458
In-State Tuition
$43,842
Out-of-State
$19,680
Avg Net Price
$23,250
Median Debt
20%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,068
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,830
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,521
Family Income $48K–$75K
$28,546
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$55,084
6 Years After Entry
$62,777
8 Years
$67,253
10 Years
0.35x
Debt-to-Earnings
76%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$55,084 6yr $62,777 8yr $67,253 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

138.78%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3392.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
409.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$120,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.48
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.09
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.7%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#122
World Rank
50.4
Teaching
52.7
Research
63.7
Citations
30.4
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.931%
Inventor Rate
640
Total Patents
1,311
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 85%
Retention Rate 90%
SAT Average 1269
ACT Midpoint 26
SAT Range 1180–1360
ACT Range 25–31
Full-Time Faculty 86%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,468
Diversity Index 0.53
First-Gen Students 21%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 17%
Biology & Biomedical 14%
Communications 10%
Engineering 9%
Social Sciences 8%
Psychology 5%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Health Professions 4%