Overview
Michigan State University is a public 4-year college located in East Lansing, Michigan. There are currently 40,243 undergraduates at Michigan State and the school’s acceptance rate is 84%. The tuition at Michigan State is $15,988 for in-state students and $43,372 for out-of-state.
University
City
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$32,668
$39,301
$20,751
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$32,668Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$60,052Since Michigan State is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Michigan State is $32,668 for in-state students in MI, and $60,052 for out-of-state students. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Michigan State would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Michigan State University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Michigan State University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Michigan State University is 002290.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at Michigan State
Michigan students who are considering Michigan State should look into Michigan state grants to help fund their education. The Michigan Tuition Grant is available to students with financial need, as is the Tuition Incentive Program. Check out the state's official website for a full list of state educational grants.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Michigan scholarshipsNo Loan Policy at Michigan State
Michigan State is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Michigan State's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at Michigan State University? Michigan State offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Michigan State's website for more information!
Pell Grants at Michigan State University
19% of students at Michigan State University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Michigan State. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Michigan State University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Michigan State, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://finaid.msu.edu/
- Phone: 517-353-5940
Admissions
84%
26
1170
1170 is the median SAT score and 26 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Michigan State. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
Michigan State is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Michigan State via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Michigan State test-optional?
Michigan State University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
What test scores do you need to get into Michigan State University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or CLT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Michigan State University receive between a 26 and a 31 on their ACT, or a 1090 and a 1305 on their SAT.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Michigan State?
Students must apply by February 1 to enroll at Michigan State during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Michigan State, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
17:1
Graduation Rate
82%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
16%
16% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
10%
10% of graduates
Engineering
9%
9% of graduates
Social Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
5%
5% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
5%
5% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
4%
4% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
3%
3% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
3%
3% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
3% of graduates
Education
3%
3% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Engineering
2%
2% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
40,243
Pell Grant 20%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 7%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 49% / 51%
Ethnic Diversity at Michigan State
67% White
8% Asian / Pacific Islander
7% Black
6% Hispanic
5% International / Non-Citizen
4% Multiracial
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$67,253
Median Debt $23,250
Debt 10 years after graduation $246
Graduation Rate 82%
What is the graduation rate at Michigan State University?
82% of students who start at Michigan State University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 24% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Michigan State University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Michigan State University is $67,253. This is $16,862 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Michigan State University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Michigan State take out in loans?
Graduates of Michigan State take out a median of $23,250 in federal student loans. This is $9,750 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Michigan State University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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