In its 2024 rating of best colleges, Money magazine gave Michigan State University 4.5 out of 5 stars. The scores are based on three main criteria — quality, affordability and student outcomes.

MSU educates more Michigan students than any other institution in the state, and more than half choose to stay in the state after graduation. The graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates is 82%. MSU has a goal of increasing that rate to 86% by 2030.

The university has a placement rate of 93%. That rate represents bachelor's degree recipients who are employed or continue their education after graduation.

Beginning with the fall 2024 incoming class, the Spartan Tuition Advantage program will expand college access and affordability for Michigan residents. The program will provide aid to qualifying in-state students, covering full tuition through a combination of federal, state and institutional gift aid for up to eight semesters. Qualifying students are Pell-eligible with household incomes of $65,000 or less.

“MSU prides itself on being a welcoming place that defines itself not by being exclusive, but rather by being a world-class university of access and inclusion that makes deliberate efforts to make everyone feel welcomed and supported,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “We opened our doors widely from day one, and we continue to work hard to provide opportunities for the broadest range of students to pursue their studies and professional development here at MSU.”

As part of the fiscal year 2024-25 operating budget, MSU is committing an unprecedented $249.5 million to student financial aid — a $12.7 million increase compared to last year. Furthermore, investments in financial aid have increased at an average 7.5% annual growth rate since the 2018-19 academic year, outpacing the increases in the cost of tuition over the same period.

In addition, MSU prioritizes and invests in enhancing the full student experience, including significant experiential and cocurricular learning opportunities that elevate students’ success during their studies and after graduation. Peer institutions have taken note: In an annual reputation-based U.S. News & World Report ranking, MSU consistently ranks as one of the top public institutions in the nation for service learning, education abroad and learning communities.