Michigan State University: A Comprehensive Look at Student Enrollment Statistics
Michigan State University (MSU), a public institution founded in 1855, continues to be a leading choice for students seeking higher education. This article delves into various aspects of MSU's student enrollment statistics, including admissions, costs, demographics, graduation rates, and popular majors.
Overall Enrollment Trends
MSU has demonstrated its appeal to students and families, achieving impressive enrollment figures. In the fall of 2024, the university recorded its largest-ever enrollment with 52,089 students. The following academic year, 2025-26, saw the second-largest enrollment in the university's history, with 51,838 students. These figures include students from all 83 counties in Michigan, all 50 states, and 139 countries, solidifying MSU's position as "Michigan's state university." In 2024, 37,646 students came from the state of Michigan.
The fall of 2024 also welcomed 10,978 new undergraduate students, comprised of first-year and transfer students. Combined with 30,526 returning students for a total of 41,234, it is MSU’s largest number of undergraduate students to date. The fall of 2025-26 saw 10,720 new undergraduates, with over 8,200 of them hailing from Michigan.
Admissions and Acceptance Rate
MSU's strong reputation is reflected in its application numbers. For the fall class of 2024, the university received 62,138 applications, exceeding the previous year's 58,879 by 5.5%. In 2023, Michigan State University received 58,879 undergraduate applications, which represents a 10.4% annual growth.
The acceptance rate for undergraduate students in 2023 was 83.9%, with 49,414 students being accepted out of 58,879 applicants. This is lower than the acceptance rate of 2022, which was 88%. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants grew by 10.4%, while admissions grew by 5.33%.
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Student Demographics
MSU's student body is diverse, representing a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. In 2024, students of color made up 27.8% of the domestic class, making it MSU’s most diverse student body. The university's enrollment includes international students from 138 countries, students from all 50 states and 37,646 students representing all 83 counties in Michigan.
As of 2023, the enrolled student population at Michigan State University is 64.4% White, 7.8% Asian, 6.35% Black or African American, 6.31% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Two or More Races, 0.281% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0585% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Specifically, students enrolled in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (35.1%), followed by White Male (31.8%) and Asian Female (3.9%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are most commonly White Female (30.8%), followed by White Male (22%) and Asian Female (4.3%).
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid
The cost of attending MSU is an important consideration for prospective students. In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Michigan State University was $16,930 which is $−14,073 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). The cost of tuition at Michigan State University is $−14,074 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004).
After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $24,630. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Michigan State University grew by 8.01%. The average yearly cost of room and board at Michigan State University was $10,990 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 2.94% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,254. The cost of books and supplies increased by 7.36% during the same period.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Michigan Colleges
Financial aid is available to many students at MSU. In 2023, 73% of undergraduate students attending Michigan State University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 33% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. This represents a growth of 5.8% with respect to 2022, when 69% of undergraduate students received financial aid.
MSU continues to prioritize increasing access and reducing financial barriers to a quality, world-class education. One initiative is a new merit-based scholarship named after MSU’s first president and first lady, Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams. The scholarship will fund tuition, food and housing as well as an education abroad or other experiential education opportunity for undergraduates. MSU also established the Native American Tuition Advantage program, an expansion of the current Spartan Tuition Advantage program.
Graduation and Retention Rates
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Michigan State University was 91%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Michigan State University had a retention rate higher than its peers.
In 2023, 59% of students graduating from Michigan State University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 82% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 83% within 200%.
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Michigan State University is Male and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate).
Read also: Paying for Michigan Tech as an Out-of-State Student
Most Popular Majors and Career Outcomes
In 2023, the most popular Bachelors Degree concentrations at Michigan State University were General Biological Sciences (516 degrees awarded), General Psychology (496 degrees), and Advertising (417 degrees). In 2023, 13,239 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Michigan State University. 54.6% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 45.4% awarded men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (8,968 degrees), 10.1 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, asian (884 degrees).
In 2023, the most specialized majors across all degree types at Michigan State University, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Agriculture (605 degrees awarded), Communications (1,038 degrees), and Natural Resources & Conservation (265 degrees).
The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Michigan State University are uninformed (608,016 people), General medical and surgical hospitals, and specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals (593,425 people), Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (551,099 people), Elementary & secondary schools (404,962 people), and Scientific research & development services (236,542 people).
MSU is home to some of the nation’s strongest academic programs across a wide range of disciplines. MSU's undergraduate Supply Chain Management program has ranked No. 1 for 15 years in a row.
Rankings and Recognition
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Michigan State University is ranked No. 64 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 29 in Top Public Schools.
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