Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI

International Relations and National Security Studies

at Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $42,937/yr starting out — that's 43% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 7.1 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

$42,937

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)$429,370

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$91,476

Pays for Itself In

7.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+43%

Ahead After 10 Years

$337,894

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed18/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost5.7/20

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.