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Michigan State University
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in MI. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$15,988
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
83.9%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
81.9%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$67,253
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
Michigan State University is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in East Lansing, MI. With a competitive tuition profile of $15,988, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 81.9% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
83.9%
What You Need to Apply
Application requirements for Michigan State University
GPA: 3.5 – 3.95 (unweighted mid-50%)
1 Essay Required
1 essay (250-650 words) from list of prompts.
No Recommendation Letters
Not required
Required Documents
- • Common App or MSU Application
- • High school transcript
- • Essay
- • SAT/ACT (optional)
Key Deadlines
Regular Decision
April 1, 2026
Nov 1 priority deadline for maximum scholarship consideration. Rolling review.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
November 1, 2025
File FAFSA by this date to maximize aid eligibility.
Important
Nov 1 priority deadline critical for scholarships and Honors College. Rolling review starts October.
Last verified: April 12, 2026. Source: MSU Admissions. Always verify requirements directly with Michigan State University before applying.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$63,952
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
1.7 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$37,253
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$308,578
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$681,108
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Michigan State University is $23,250.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
0
Burglary
0
Theft
0
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$15,988
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
91.4%
Success
81.9%
In-State Cost
$15,988
Age 25+ Students
1.8%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
7,640 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In East Lansing
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$847
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$887
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$1,092
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the East Lansing metropolitan area.