by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a Michigan State degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how Michigan State measures up.
Michigan State is ranked #1,773 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D-. Within Michigan, it ranks #55 of 77 for value.
These Michigan State majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Molecular Genetics | #2 of 4 |
| Pre-Law | #3 of 9 |
| Packaging Science | #4 of 7 |
| Engineering | #4 of 7 |
| Human Resources | #6 of 17 |
| Other Human Resources Management and Services | #6 of 17 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #6 of 7 |
| Natural Resource Economics | #6 of 7 |
| Soil Science & Agronomy, General | #8 of 8 |
| Environmental Biology | #8 of 13 |
Below is the detailed Michigan State value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Michigan State University is ranked #2 out of #80 in Michigan for quality and #55 out of #77 for Michigan value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Michigan State financial aid page to be sure.
Michigan State University is ranked #1,773 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Michigan State University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Michigan State costs about $22,191. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $88,766 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $32,237 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $19,680 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $22,191 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,766 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Michigan State net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Michigan State degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $128,948 | — | — |
| All Students | $88,766 | #1,773 | D- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $78,720 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $128,948 | — | — |
| All Students | $88,766 | #55 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $78,720 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Michigan State shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $8,119 |
| $30K–$48K | $13,980 |
| $48K–$75K | $20,378 |
| $75K–$110K | $25,940 |
| Over $110K | $28,327 |
About 80% of Michigan State undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,834 per year. Get more details on the Michigan State financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Michigan State cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.