Michigan State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University demonstrates strong graduation outcomes, with an overall graduation rate of 82%, placing it in the top 10% nationally. This high completion level reflects positively on the institution's ability to guide students through to degree attainment.

When examining gender-specific data, the graduation rate remains robust for both men and women. Male students graduate at a rate of 80%, while female students have a slightly higher rate of 85%. Both figures also rank within the top 10%, underscoring consistency in graduation success across genders.

The university's four-year graduation rate sits at 65%, which is considered high and ranks it among the top 15% of colleges. This suggests that a significant portion of students complete their bachelor's degrees within the traditional timeframe.

Additionally, the six-year graduation rate climbs to 83%, again a very high mark that places Michigan State University within the top 10%. This indicates that the majority of students who do not finish in four years still complete their studies within a reasonable extension of time.

Retention rates also provide insight into student persistence, with 91% of students returning after their first year. This retention rate is high and ranks in the top 15%, reflecting student satisfaction and institutional support in the initial stages of college.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Michigan State University?

Graduates from Michigan State University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those who graduated in computer and engineering disciplines. For instance, graduates with a degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General earn an average of $76,292, while those in Computer Engineering earn around $75,462. Engineering specialties also fare well, with Chemical Engineering graduates making approximately $70,092, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $71,673, and Mechanical Engineering around $71,321.

Other engineering-related fields such as Agricultural Engineering and Construction Engineering Technologies also report solid earnings of $59,306 and $65,740, respectively. Those with a degree in Engineering, General earn about $66,191, and graduates in Engineering-Related Fields achieve roughly $66,715. Management and business-related degrees offer competitive salaries too, with Finance and Financial Management Services graduates earning about $61,907, Business Administration graduates averaging $61,667, and Marketing degree holders around $58,064. Accounting and Related Services yields a similar range at $58,100.

Health and laboratory professions offer varied returns, with Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing graduates earning approximately $62,282 and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science graduates around $36,358. Other science fields provide moderate earnings, including Food Science and Technology at $49,975, Soil Sciences at $41,741, and Agricultural Business and Management near $48,126.

Degrees in education related areas typically provide lower, but steady earnings; for example, Education, General graduates make around $40,045 while Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates earn close to $39,988. Communication-related studies such as Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication offer an average income of $38,973, with Journalism graduates earning $32,480.

Social sciences and humanities degrees tend to yield more modest earnings. Economics graduates make about $48,199, while Political Science and Government graduates earn $32,000. Sociology and Social Work provide average earnings of $31,092 and $29,946, respectively. Anthropology graduates earn roughly $21,255.

Mathematics and statistics graduates see competitive earnings with Mathematics at $48,982 and Statistics reaching $52,504. Biology and related life sciences display variation, with Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates earning close to $36,979, Zoology/Animal Biology at $24,435, and Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at $38,059.

Some other fields see lower salary prospects. For example, Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates earn about $28,901, Health and Physical Education/Fitness around $28,154, and Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management at $26,719. Degrees in design and arts show earnings like Design and Applied Arts with $37,306 and Fine and Studio Arts near $27,513.