East Lansing, MI Overview
Michigan State University is a public 4-year college located in East Lansing, Michigan. There are currently 39,021 undergraduates at Michigan State and the school’s acceptance rate is 88%. The tuition at Michigan State is $15,372 for in-state students and $41,958 for out-of-state.
University
City
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
39,021
Pell Grant 22%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 8%
Undergrad Students Over 25 2%
Percent Male / Female 48% / 52%
Ethnic Diversity at Michigan State
67% White
8% Asian / Pacific Islander
7% Black
6% Hispanic
6% International / Non-Citizen
4% Multiracial
2% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
17:1
Graduation Rate
82%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
16%
16% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
14%
14% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
12%
12% of graduates
Engineering
9%
9% of graduates
Social Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
4%
4% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
4%
4% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
4%
4% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
4%
4% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
3%
3% of graduates
Engineering
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
2%
2% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
2%
2% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$30,990
$38,127
$19,449
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$30,990for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$57,576for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since 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 $30,990 for in-state students in MI, and $57,576 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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.
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.
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Michigan State University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Michigan State University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Michigan State University is 002290.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
No 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
21% of students at Michigan State University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Michigan State University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Michigan State students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Michigan State University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Michigan State or have questions that are specific to your personal 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 Snapshot
88%
26
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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Michigan State University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT 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 25 and a 31 on their ACT, or a 1100 and a 1315 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.
Should I apply Early Action at Michigan State?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
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 end up finishing 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?
10 years after starting school at Michigan State University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $67,253. This is $16,862 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Michigan State take out in loans?
Graduates of Michigan State have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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.
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