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Michigan State University

MSU

East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1046

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Campus Vibe

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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.

Established
1855
Motto
"Spartans Will.""Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives."
Mascot
Sparty
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
nation's oldest athletic conference
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

82 upcoming visits · Next: Sun, Apr 12 · Campus Visit
84%Acceptance
1261SAT Avg
40,243Students
17:1Student:Faculty
82%Grad Rate
$67,253Earnings 10yr
$20,751Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Michigan State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate83.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1261

Reading & WritingMid: 600
580670
MathMid: 610
570680

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2631

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

83.9%

Trend

SAT Avg

1261

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$15,988
Tuition (out-of-state)$43,372
Room & Board$11,754
Books & Supplies$1,334
Total Cost of Attendance$30,528
Average Net Price$20,751
Median Debt at Graduation$23,250
Monthly Payment (10yr)$246

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$8,119
$30–48K$13,980
$48–75K$20,378
$75–110K$25,940
$110K+$28,327

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$20,751

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6700.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/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

Programs (347)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
40,243
Gender Split
51% / 49%
Women / Men
First Generation
21%
Pell Grant Recipients
20%

Race & Ethnicity

White 67%
Black 7%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 8%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 5%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate82.2%
Freshman Retention91.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

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

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$55,400
Men
$72,300

Rankings

U.S. News
#64
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#43

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Spartans

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from MI state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Detroitpop. 640K
78 mi(135 min)
Clevelandpop. 370K
166 mi(288 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
172 mi(298 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Michigan State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications