Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | East Lansing, Michigan |
| Online | msu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Rural Fringe |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, Michigan, sits on over 5,000 acres along the Red Cedar River, approximately 90 miles northwest of Detroit. Founded in 1855 as an agricultural college, MSU served as the prototype for land-grant institutions under the Morrill Act of 1862. The university features a mix of collegiate Gothic and modern architecture across its main campus, with notable strengths in agriculture, business, engineering, and nuclear physics, including the operation of the nation's first cyclotron. MSU's undergraduate academic programs are housed within 17 degree-granting colleges, with most first-year students residing in one of the university's extensive residence hall neighborhoods. As a member of the Big Ten Conference, the MSU Spartans compete in NCAA Division I athletics, with particular prominence in basketball and football.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Michigan State is rated within the top 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Michigan State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#240 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#62 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Michigan
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Michigan
#426 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in Michigan
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1160/1360 |
| ACT | 25/31 |
| GPA | 3.72 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Michigan Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,254 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $10,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,374 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,990 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,254 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $10,990 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,374 |
| Total One Year Cost | $57,576 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 17% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Communication | 11% |
| Biology | 9% |
| Health Professions | 6% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Michigan State University.
- Does my ACT score fit for Big 10 schools?
- Impact of SAT essay on Big 10 applications
- Superscore ACTs for Michigan State?
- Is a 25 on the ACT a good score for colleges?
- Class Rank Considerations for Big 10 Applications
- Are Michigan State's study abroad programs highly rated?
- Is a 28 ACT enough for scholarships?
- Ohio State vs. Michigan State for Business?
- What are the most competitive colleges in Michigan?
- What Are Some Safe School Options in Michigan?
- What GPA do I need for Michigan State Admissions?
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=171100 IPEDS survey data for Michigan State University.
Current students may use the Michigan State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024