Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI

Public Policy Analysis

at Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $34,123/yr starting out — that's 14% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 21.1 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $19,680/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $87,192 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$32,198/yr

Starting Salary

$34,123

Finish Rate

80.7%

Household Income

$32,198/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $19,680/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $12,518/yr)

4 Years Total

$128,792

Typical Debt

$23,250

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,472

What You'd Really Pay

$87,192

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

You'd earn (with degree)$341,230

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$87,192

Pays for Itself In

21.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+14%

Ahead After 10 Years

$254,038

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost32.9/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed0/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost1.8/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.1/15

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.