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Michigan State University

426 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

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Michigan State University award
Michigan State University award
US ranking
position: 32
Tuition & fees per year: $19,742
Acceptance rate: 84.00%
Median alumni salary: $50,898
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1210 SAT, 26 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does Michigan State University offer in terms of athletics?

Michigan State University boasts a comprehensive athletics program that competes primarily in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The university supports a wide range of varsity sports for both men and women, providing student-athletes with numerous opportunities to compete at a high level while balancing academic commitments. Spartan teams have a strong tradition, often excelling particularly in sports such as football, basketball, and ice hockey.

Facilities at the university are well-developed and include Spartan Stadium for football, the Breslin Center for basketball, and the Munn Ice Arena for hockey, among others. These venues host large crowds and create an energetic atmosphere that fosters school spirit and engagement among students, faculty, and the wider community.

Beyond varsity sports, Michigan State also offers a variety of club and intramural sports, catering to students who wish to remain active and participate competitively without the commitment required of NCAA athletes. This inclusive approach allows a broad spectrum of students to find athletic involvement suited to their interests and abilities.

The university's emphasis on balancing athletics with academics is reflected in its support systems, which include specialized academic advising and tutoring designed to help student-athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. This focus on holistic development is a key aspect of the Spartans' athletics culture.

What student groups and Associations are available at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University offers a range of social organizations for its students. About 12% of men and 11% of women participate in these groups, contributing to a vibrant campus life. The total undergraduate enrollment includes 18,544 men and 20,002 women, reflecting a substantial student community engaged in various campus activities.

Who studies at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University enrolls a notably large and diverse student body. The total student population is very high, with 11,079 new students in recent intake cycles, including 9,533 freshmen and 1,546 transfer students. This places the university in the top 5% nationally for overall enrollment size and ensures a dynamic campus atmosphere with many peers across various stages of their academic journey.

The university attracts students predominantly from within the state, with in-state students making up a majority and reflecting an average presence compared to other institutions. Out-of-state students, while fewer, represent about 18% of the student body, a lower proportion relative to many universities. Michigan State University also welcomes a significant share of international students, accounting for approximately 6% of attendees and maintaining a strong level of global representation.

The age distribution among undergraduates is mostly concentrated in the traditional college-age brackets, with the largest groups being those aged 18 to 19 and 20 to 21 years old. Graduate students tend to be older, with many between 22 and 34 years of age, reflecting the university's commitment to advanced education for both recent graduates and mid-career professionals seeking further qualifications.

Ethnically, the university's population is quite diverse. The largest representation comes from White students, a group notably high in number compared to national peers. This is followed by substantial enrollments of African American and Asian students, both categories also reporting figures in the top 5% nationally. Hispanic and Native American students are present at rates above average, underscoring the institution's efforts toward inclusivity. Additionally, students identifying with two or more races form a significant portion of the community, ranking near the top among comparable colleges. A notable number of students prefer not to disclose their ethnicity, though this group is smaller in relation to others.

How does student life look like at Michigan State University?

Student life at Michigan State University offers a wide range of cultural and extracurricular activities that contribute to a dynamic campus atmosphere. The university supports various creative outlets including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, a chorus, and a television station, providing students numerous opportunities to engage in media, performing arts, and music.

Additionally, the institution ensures comprehensive support services to enhance student well-being and inclusivity. These include legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, an office dedicated to veterans' affairs, and a women's center. Such resources are designed to address diverse student needs across health, legal, and advocacy areas, promoting a supportive and accessible campus environment.

With an exceptionally large student body exceeding 52,000 individuals, the campus community is vibrant and expansive. This student population size places Michigan State University in the top 5% nationally, ensuring a rich social fabric with numerous peer connections. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 16 to 1, reflecting a relatively favorable setting for academic interaction.

The university's athletics affiliation with the NCAA further enriches campus spirit and provides a platform for students to participate in or support collegiate sports.

What libraries are available to students at Michigan State University?

Michigan State University boasts a vast collection of over 3.5 million books, placing it among the top 5% of institutions nationwide in terms of volume. The university also offers an extensive range of subscriptions, totaling more than 136,000, which similarly ranks in the top 5%. Digital resources are well supported, with approximately 1.3 million eBooks available and nearly 195,000 digital subscriptions, the latter positioning the university in the upper half nationally.

The campus library system includes physical facilities equipped with study rooms, and services operate for a total of 142 hours weekly, ensuring ample access for students. Trained staff are available to assist users, and the university provides access to shared collections, enhancing the depth of resources. Both physical and digital access are offered, catering to diverse student needs and preferences.

Despite a relatively low number of additional libraries beyond the main campus facilities, the emphasis on comprehensive collections and subscription breadth provides students with considerable academic support.

Michigan State University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

52089

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

9622

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

2614 full time, 453 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Michigan State University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Data not available

Number of libraries on campus

0

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Michigan State University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Michigan State University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Michigan State University Location & Map