
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, is a public research facility. It was a pioneer land grant institution when it was founded in 1855. Under the Morrill Act of 1862, Michigan State University served as a model for future land grant schools in the US.
History
Governor Kingsley S. Bingham signed a Bill on February 12, 1855, establishing the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. It was the first agriculture college in the USA. Students were welcome to the school in May 1857. At that time 63 male students attended. There were five faculty members and three buildings to accommodate the students. A curriculum was designed by school President Joseph R. Williams to balance liberal arts, practical training and science.
Women were first admitted to the college in 1870, even though no female residences existed. The faculty created a women's course in 1896. Home economics, liberal arts and science were melded into the women's course and old Abbot Hall was transformed into a women's dorm. The first African American student was admitted in 1899.
The early 20th century saw the curriculum expanded extensively. At that time, the name of the school was changed to Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. In 1946, the largest expansion in the school's history took place, due to the 1945 G.I Bill. In its Centennial year, 1955, the name of the school was changed to Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science. In 1964, the words Agriculture and Applied Science were dropped and the institution became known as Michigan State University.
Campuses
Michigan State University is comprised of the North and South Campuses. The North Campus is located on the banks for the Red Cedar River. It is the oldest campus and this is where the original buildings stood. None of them remain today. The South Campus is located south of the Red Cedar River and is home to the Horticulture Gardens and the 4-H Children's Garden.
Academics
Michigan State University ranks 80th in the world. It has more than 200 academic programs and is comprised of 17 degree granting colleges. The Nuclear Physics program is ranked second in the US. Other notable programs include:
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Human Medicine
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Criminal Justice
- Hospitality Business
- Dietetics
- Communications
- Political Science
- Music Therapy
Athletics
Michigan State University offers 12 varsity sports for men and 13 for women. The teams are known as the Spartans. The school participates in all Big Ten Conference varsity sports with the exception of ice hockey.
Football started as a club sport in 1884 and gained varsity status in 1886. The Spartans football team competes in Spartan Stadium. Football has a long tradition at Michigan State University.
Student Life
Michigan State University has the largest resident hall system in the US. However, 58% of students live in apartments, co-ops, fraternities and sororities that are off-campus.
Michigan State University has one of the largest Greek populations in the US.
Community
Michigan State University has a huge campus that offers a country like setting for biking, jogging, running and hanging out with friends. Nature lovers can enjoy a feast of the senses in all four seasons at Sanford Natural Area or Beal Botanical Gardens. During the hot summer months, enjoy an ice cream at Michigan State University Dairy Store.
Take in a football game at Spartan Stadium and watch the Spartans take on a competitive opponent. For sky-watchers, visit Abrahms Planetarium on Friday or Saturday night or Sunday afternoon for a public show.
Golf courses are plentiful in the area for those who love to hit the greens for a round of golf. History buffs will enjoy Kresge Art Museum with its collection of over 6500 Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts, among other exhibits, including medieval illuminations, paintings, prints and sculptures.
No matter what your interests, there is a variety of things to see and do in East Lansing, Michigan.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may provide a better idea of the applicants Michigan State University accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
The total student enrollment at Michigan State University is about 51,000, where graduate students make up roughly 16% of the student body.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $14,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $50 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range estimates:
- In-State: $14,000-$17,000
- Out-of-State: $37,000-$44,320
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $480-$570 per unit
- Out-of-State: $1,200-$1,500 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 66% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 49% | $11,111 |
Receiving Student Loans | 43% | $7,075 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Michigan State University may offer services including:- Distance learning
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
Michigan State University has a very high graduation rate when compared to similar schools nearby.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 50% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 23% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 4% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Teacher Education (Bachelor's) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dietetics Program
- English Language Program
- Graduate Teacher Education Program
- Medical (M.D.) Program
- Music Program
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Program
- School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Michigan State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Big Ten Conference)
- Basketball (Big Ten Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Ten Conference)
- Field Hockey
- Football (Big Ten Conference)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Michigan State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Soil Science and Agronomy (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Business and Management (B, C)
- Turf Management (C)
- Food Science (B, D, M)
- Dairy Science (C)
- Horticultural Science (B, D, M)
- Horse Husbandry, Equine Science and Management (C)
- Landscaping (C)
- Agricultural Economics (D, M)
- Animal Husbandry and Production (C)
- Plant Sciences (C)
- Viticulture and Oenology (C)
Architecture
- Urban Planning (B, M)
- Landscape Architect (B)
- Environmental Design, Architecture (M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, M)
- Zoology (B, D, M)
- Physiology (B, D, M)
- Neuroscience (B, D)
- Molecular Genetics (B)
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (B, D, M)
- Microbiology (B, D)
- Biochemistry (B)
- Pharmacology and Toxicology (D, M)
- Environmental Biology (B)
- Botany (B, D, M)
- Molecular Biology (D, M)
- Genetics (D, M)
- Biomedical Science (D, M)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (D, M)
- Entomology (B, D, M)
- Pathology, Experimental Pathology (D)
- Environmental Toxicology (D)
- Epidemiology (D, M)
- Plant Genetics (M)
- Biostatistics (M)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (B, M)
- Finance (B, M)
- Accounting (B, D, M)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B, D)
- Commerce (M)
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Labor and Industrial Relations (M)
- Human Resources (B)
- Risk Management and Insurance (B)
- Marketing Research (M)
- Business Statistics (M)
- Organizational Behavior Studies (D)
- Merchandising and Buying Operations (B)
- Operations Management (D)
- Restaurant and Food Services Management
- Labor Studies
- Information Resources Management, Cio Training
Communication Technology
- Communications Technology (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Advertising (B, M)
- Communications (B, D, M)
- Media Studies (B, D)
- Journalism (B, M)
- Public Relations (M)
- Multimedia (B, M)
- Health Communication (M)
- Radio and Television (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B, D, M)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (C)
Education
- Education (B, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- Educational and Instructional Media Design (C, D, M)
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities (B)
- Special Education (D, M)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Higher Education Administration (C, D, M)
- History Teacher Education (B)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (C, D, M)
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education (D)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education (M)
- ESL (M)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (M)
- Educational Statistics and Research Methods (D)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (D)
- Urban Education and Leadership (C)
- Science Teacher (M)
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Engineering (B)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Materials Engineering (B)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (D, M)
- Engineering Mechanics (D, M)
Engineering Technology
- Packaging Science (B, D, M)
- Construction Engineering Technology (B, D, M)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
- Technical and Business Writing (B)
- Rhetoric and Composition (D, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American Studies (D)
- United States Studies (D)
- Women's Studies (B)
- African-American Black Studies (D, M)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family and Community Services (B, C, M)
- Child Development (B, M)
- Family Studies (D, M)
- Human Nutrition (D, M)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (D)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B, M)
- Linguistics (B, D, M)
- Chinese Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B, D, M)
- French Language and Literature (B, D, M)
- Arabic Language and Literature (B)
- Japanese Language and Literature (B)
- Russian Language and Literature (B)
- Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General (M)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Osteopathy (D)
- Medicine (D)
- Clinical Social Work (M)
- Nursing (B, M)
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Public Health (C, M)
- Medical Technology (B, M)
- Dietetics (B)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (M)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Veterinary Assistant (B, C)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling (M)
- Pre-Veterinary Studies (B)
- International Public Health, International Health (C)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (D)
- Nursing Science (D)
- Clinical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions (C)
- Large Animal and Equine Surgery and Medicine (D)
- Health Informatics (C)
- Small Animal Surgery and Medicine
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Nutrition (B)
- Biological and Physical Sciences (B)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Pre-Law Studies (B)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Humanistic Studies (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (B, D, M)
- Applied Mathematics (D, M)
- Computational Mathematics (B)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management (B, D, M)
- Environmental Studies (B)
- Forestry (B, C, D, M)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (D, M)
- Natural Resource Economics (B)
- Environmental Science (B)
- Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism (D, M)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
- Religious Studies (B)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Physics (B, D, M)
- Geology (B, D, M)
- Physical Sciences (B, M)
- Materials Science (D, M)
- Chemical Physics (B)
- Astrophysics (B)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
- School Psychology (C, D, M)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (C)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, D, M)
- Public Policy (B, M)
- Public Administration (B)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Law and Justice Administration (B, D, M)
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting (M)
- Forensic Science (M)
Social Sciences
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Social Science (B)
- International Relations (B)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, D, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Cartography and GIS (B, M)
- Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods (M)
- Urban Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Music Pedagogy (B, D, M)
- Music Performance (B, D, M)
- Fashion Design (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Interior Design (B)
- Game Design (C)
- Jazz and Jazz Studies (B, M)
- Art History (B)
- Conducting (D, M)
- Music Theory and Composition (B, D, M)
- Music (B)
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology (M)
- Film Studies (B)
- Piano and Organ (M)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Michigan State University.
- University of Michigan - Flint in Flint, MI (45 miles away)
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI (49 miles away)
- Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI (57 miles away)
- Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI (62 miles away)
- Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI (65 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Michigan
- See all public colleges in Michigan