Michigan State University
MSU
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1046
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
Michigan State University is a public institution in East Lansing with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1261, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 40.2K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
82% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $67,253 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,751.
Campus Visits
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1261
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
67.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
304
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (347)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Spartans
History & Fun Facts
- •His legacy is often contrasted with that of John Harvard, whose 17th-century gift established Harvard University, the nation's oldest college, which was named in his honor.
- •On February 12, 1855, Michigan Governor Kinsley S.
- •Bingham signed a bill establishing the nation's first agriculture college, the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan.
- •The board also oversaw the Michigan State Normal School in Ypsilanti, which had opened in 1852.
- •Classes began on May 13, 1857, with three buildings, five faculty members, and 63 male students.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MI state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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