UnisHub University Compass

Michigan State University (MSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About Michigan State University

A river cuts through this tree-lined campus, and the pace feels both spirited and grounded. Michigan State is known for strengths across the sciences, agriculture, education, communication, the arts, and business, with a land-grant focus on applied learning. Students tap into well equipped labs, studios, a striking art museum, expansive libraries, and study support that shows up when you need it. Advising, health and counseling, and a career center help tie the academic pieces together.

Student life is wide open: big-time athletics, outdoor trails along the water, energetic student organizations, and traditions around the Spartan statue and the green-and-white chant. The campus culture skews welcoming, practical, a little proud. And it connects. Employers visit, internships surface on and off campus, and the nearby state capital adds government and nonprofit options. East Lansing's coffee shops and music spots keep things lively. Notable alumni include Magic Johnson and Eli Broad.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
Not available
Website
msu.edu
Unit ID
171100

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R1 (Very High Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$17,270
Tuition $16,930 + Fee $340
Out-of-State
$44,040
Tuition $43,700 + Fee $340
Student Profile
Total Students 51,316
Undergraduate 40,243
Graduate/Other 11,073
Male: 24,295 Female: 27,021
Applications
Total Applicants 58,879
Admitted 49,414
Enrolled 9,533
Acceptance: 83.9% Yield: 19.3%
Staff
Total Staff 13,601
Full-time 12,782
Part-time 819
Full-time: 94% Part-time: 6%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Michigan State University (MSU) offers 230 degree programs across 30 major academic fields, graduating approximately 13,017 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (22 programs, 2,160 graduates), Biological Sciences (25 programs, 1,460 graduates), Health (18 programs, 1,247 graduates), Communication (8 programs, 1,001 graduates) and Engineering (12 programs, 932 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Business (22 programs, 2,160 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Finance, General 398
Bachelor's
52.0801
Logistics and Supply Chain Management 388
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
52.0203
Marketing Management 263
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
52.1401
Accounting 161
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
52.0301
Business Administration and Management 133
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Business Administration 117
Master's
52.0101
Business Statistics 105
Master's
52.1302
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 104
Master's
52.1399
Hospitality Management 98
Bachelor's
52.0901
Organizational Leadership 95
Postbac Cert.
Master's
52.0213
Human Resources Management and Services 77
Bachelor's
52.1099
Labor and Industrial Relations 60
Master's
52.1002
Business and Management Services 55
Master's
52.9999
Human Resources Management 27
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
52.1001
Actuarial Science 26
Bachelor's
52.1304
Management Science 19
Master's
52.1301
Customer Service Management 18
Master's
52.0207
Financial Planning and Services 7
Master's
52.0804
Business Administration and Management 4
Postbac Cert.
52.0299
Organizational Behavior 2
Doctorate (R)
52.1003
Labor Studies 2
Doctorate (R)
52.1004
Marketing Research 1
Master's
52.1402
Biological Sciences (25 programs, 1,460 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 597
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0101
Neuroscience 224
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
26.1501
Zoology and Animal Biology 101
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
26.0701
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 90
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0210
Molecular Genetics 82
Bachelor's
26.0802
General Physiology 64
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
26.0901
Microbiology 61
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0502
Environmental Biology 48
Bachelor's
26.1305
Pharmacology and Toxicology 41
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1007
Biochemistry 39
Bachelor's
26.0202
Entomology 19
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0702
Botany and Plant Biology 17
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0301
Biomedical Sciences 15
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0102
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 12
Doctorate (R)
26.1310
Plant Genetics 10
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0805
Environmental Toxicology 9
Doctorate (R)
26.1006
Plant Pathology 8
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0305
Biostatistics 5
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1102
Epidemiology 5
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.1309
Cell and Molecular Biology 4
Doctorate (R)
26.0406
Genetics 4
Doctorate (R)
26.0801
Molecular Physiology 2
Master's
Doctorate (R)
26.0902
Biometry and Biometrics 1
Doctorate (R)
26.1101
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 1
Postbac Cert.
26.1399
Neurobiology and Neurosciences 1
Postbac Cert.
26.1599
Health (18 programs, 1,247 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Osteopathic Medicine 273
Doctorate (P)
51.1202
Registered Nursing 225
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3801
Medicine 181
Doctorate (P)
51.1201
Clinical Social Work 175
Master's
51.1503
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 77
Bachelor's
Master's
51.1005
Communication Sciences and Disorders 53
Bachelor's
51.0201
Nursing Practice 51
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Health Professions and Related Sciences 50
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
51.9999
Public Health 46
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.2201
Dietetics 37
Bachelor's
51.3101
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology 28
Master's
Doctorate (R)
51.0204
International Public Health 13
Postbac Cert.
Master's
51.2210
Athletic Training 11
Master's
51.0913
Public Health 10
Postbac Cert.
51.2299
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 6
Postbac Cert.
51.3810
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 4
Master's
51.2310
Nursing Science 4
Doctorate (R)
51.3808
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 3
Doctorate (R)
51.2399
Communication (8 programs, 1,001 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Advertising 471
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0903
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 224
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
09.0101
Journalism 102
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0401
Digital Media and Multimedia 77
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
09.0702
Mass Communication and Media Studies 61
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
09.0102
Public Relations and Advertising 44
Bachelor's
09.0900
Communication and Media Studies 17
Bachelor's
09.0100
Health Communication 5
Master's
09.0905
Engineering (12 programs, 932 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Mechanical Engineering 314
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1901
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 157
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.1001
Civil Engineering 117
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0801
General Engineering 88
Bachelor's
14.0101
Chemical Engineering 72
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0701
Agricultural Engineering 54
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
14.0301
Computer Engineering 48
Bachelor's
14.0901
Engineering 48
Bachelor's
14.9999
Materials Engineering 15
Bachelor's
14.1801
Environmental Health Engineering 9
Master's
14.1401
Biomedical Engineering 8
Doctorate (R)
14.0501
Engineering Mechanics 2
Master's
14.1101
Social Sciences (10 programs, 799 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Economics 203
Bachelor's
45.0601
Political Science and Government 152
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.1001
Sociology 128
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.1101
International Relations 104
Bachelor's
45.0901
Social Sciences 78
Bachelor's
45.0101
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics 77
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.0603
Anthropology 34
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
45.0201
Geography 10
Bachelor's
45.0701
Economics 7
Bachelor's
45.0699
Geographic Information Science and Cartography 6
Bachelor's
45.0702
Psychology (5 programs, 630 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 587
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.0101
School Psychology 14
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
42.2805
Applied Behavior Analysis 12
Master's
42.2814
Psychology 9
Postbac Cert.
42.9999
Educational Psychology 8
Postbac Cert.
42.2806
Agriculture (16 programs, 549 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Animal Sciences 148
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.0901
Veterinary Medicine 107
Doctorate (P)
01.8001
Agricultural Business and Management 62
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
01.0101
Food Science 58
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.1001
Soil Science and Agronomy 35
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.1201
Horticultural Science 33
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
01.1103
Veterinary Technology and Animal Health Assistant 21
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
01.8301
Turf and Turfgrass Management 18
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0607
Agricultural Production Operations 17
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0301
Crop Production 17
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0304
Landscaping and Groundskeeping 13
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0605
Equine Science and Management 6
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0307
Dairy Science 6
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0905
Livestock Management 5
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0906
Pre-Veterinary Studies 2
Bachelor's
01.1302
Agricultural and Food Processing 1
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
01.0401
Education (21 programs, 503 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Education 97
Bachelor's
Master's
13.0101
Curriculum and Instruction 63
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0301
Instructional Technology 62
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0501
Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities 47
Bachelor's
13.1011
Higher Education Administration 39
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0406
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 39
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1314
Educational Leadership and Administration 33
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.0401
Special Education Teaching 29
Master's
Doctorate (R)
13.1001
School Counseling and Guidance 16
Master's
13.1101
Agricultural Teacher Education 13
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1301
Art Education 13
Bachelor's
13.1302
Foreign Language Teacher Education 12
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1306
History Teacher Education 12
Bachelor's
13.1328
Early Childhood Education 7
Bachelor's
13.1210
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 6
Master's
13.1401
Foundations of Education 5
Doctorate (R)
13.0901
Mathematics Teacher Education 3
Doctorate (R)
13.1311
Educational Assessment and Research 2
Postbac Cert.
13.0699
Science Teacher Education 2
Postbac Cert.
13.1316
Computer Teacher Education 2
Postbac Cert.
13.1321
Teaching English or French as a Second Language 1
Postbac Cert.
13.1499
Computer & IT (2 programs, 466 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer and Information Sciences 433
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
11.0101
IT Project Management 33
Bachelor's
11.1005

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Michigan State University (MSU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Neither required nor recommended
College Preparatory Program
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1150 - 1350
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 580 - 670
Median: 630
Math 570 - 680
Median: 620
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
26 - 31
25th-75th percentile
English 26 - 33
Median: 30
Math 24 - 30
Median: 27

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$33,950
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$60,720
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,270
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$44,040
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,754
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,334
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,592
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,592
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$21,148
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,224
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

25%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,147
Avg. Loan
$9,086
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,355
Additional
Students with Any Grant
9,276
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
3,370
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
1,753
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$7,036
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

82%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
91%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$46,010 – $96,911
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$46,010 (25th %) $96,911 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $67,253
Median Salary After 6 Years
$55,084
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$67,253
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
74.5%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$23,250
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 55.0%
Middle 65.0%
High 75.4%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 68.3%
Independent 52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Michigan State University (MSU)

How much does it cost to attend Michigan State University (MSU)?

The annual tuition at Michigan State University (MSU) is $17,270 for in-state students and $44,040 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $33,950 for in-state students and $60,720 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,754 and books and supplies $1,334.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Michigan State University offer?

Michigan State University (MSU) offers 230 academic programs across 30 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (22 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (25 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (18 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (8 programs)
  • Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (12 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Michigan State University?

Michigan State University (MSU) has an 83.9% acceptance rate and a 19.3% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 58,879
  • Students admitted: 49,414
  • Students enrolled: 9,533

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University (MSU) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,147 and average loans of $9,086.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,379
  • State/Local grants: $1,711
  • Institutional grants: $7,036
  • Federal loans: $5,355

The university supports 9,276 students with grants and 3,370 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Michigan State University graduates?

Michigan State University (MSU) graduates earn a median salary of $55,084 after 6 years and $67,253 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $46,010 (25th percentile) to $96,911 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $98,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
View Profile
Campus map for University of Michigan, Dearborn
University of Michigan, Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128-1491
View Profile
Campus map for University of Michigan, Flint
University of Michigan, Flint
303 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48502-1950
View Profile
Campus map for Mid Michigan College
Mid Michigan College
1375 S Clare Ave, Harrison, MI 48625-9447
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.