Michigan State Demographics & Diversity
- 7/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- East Lansing, MI
-
4.5 6 reviews
Racial Demographics & Diversity
Racial Diversity
Racial Diversity
MediumRacial Diversity Index: 51%
Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at Michigan State are primarily White with a small Foreign Resident population. The school has medium racial diversity. 33% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.
Gender Demographics & Diversity
Gender Diversity
Gender Diversity
Very HighGender Diversity Index: 50%
There are 13% more female students than male students enrolled at Michigan State University with a gender ratio of 53% women to 47% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, Michigan State has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.
Geographic Diversity
Geographic Diversity
Geographic Diversity
Very LowGeographic Diversity Index: 24%
Michigan State draws 77 percent of students from Michigan, 19 percent from other states, and 5 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside Michigan, including other U.S. states and other countries.
Economic Diversity
Median Household Income
Median Household Income
$72,140 per year20% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.
Total Enrollment
Total Enrollment
Total enrollment
52,089Other Colleges to Consider
Students applying to Michigan State University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=171100.
Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.
Last updated: August 2026