Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI

Plant Sciences

at Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $35,527/yr starting out — that's 18% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 16.6 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $20,751/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $91,476 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$30,528/yr

Starting Salary

$35,527

Finish Rate

82.2%

$30,528/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $20,751/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $9,777/yr)

4 Years Total

$122,112

Typical Debt

$23,250

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,472

What You'd Really Pay

$91,476

That's about $264/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$355,270

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$91,476

Pays for Itself In

16.6 yrs

Salary Boost

+18%

Ahead After 10 Years

$263,794

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost32.3/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed4.8/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost2.5/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.3/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.