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Head to head · Michigan

Michigan State University vs Wayne State University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At under $30k and below, Michigan State University is the cheaper of the two; from $30–48k up, Wayne State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeMichigan State UniversityWayne State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$7,068$11,090$4,022 · Michigan State University
$30–48k$10,830$10,721$109 · Wayne State University
$48–75k$16,521$12,068$4,453 · Wayne State University
$75–110k$22,703$14,828$7,875 · Wayne State University
Over $110k$28,546$19,862$8,684 · Wayne State University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Michigan State University$95,693
Wayne State University$62,500
Difference over four years$33,193

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate85% · 81%
Average SAT1269 · 1156

Listed Michigan State University first, then Wayne State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$67,253 · $53,493
Graduate in four years63% · 36%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$23,250 · $21,250

Again Michigan State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Michigan State University — every income band · Wayne State University — every income band · All Michigan public colleges