University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Michigan State University
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($83,648 vs $67,253). University of Michigan-Ann Arbor recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.4 yrs).
| Measure | University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI | Michigan State UniversityMI |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $83,648 | $67,253 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.1 yrs | 2.4 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $13,138 | $19,680 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $34,654 | $32,198 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 76.7% | 74.1% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 93.2% | 80.7% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 97.5% | 90% |
| Admission rate | 15.6% | 84.8% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $23,250 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 34,177 | 40,922 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 6.3 | 4.7 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.4 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Michigan State University?
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's average net price is $13,138 per year and Michigan State University's is $19,680 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.