Education at Michigan State University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Michigan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Michigan State University graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all education masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Education masters's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | $53,417 | $54,204 | — | — |
| Calvin University | $65,014 | — | — | — |
| Aquinas College | $62,596 | — | — | — |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $60,795 | $61,730 | — | — |
| University of Michigan-Flint | $57,003 | $75,312 | — | — |
| Grand Valley State University | $56,399 | $57,125 | — | — |
| National Median | $56,157 | — | — | — |
Other Education Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin University Grand Rapids | $38,670 | $65,014 | — |
| Aquinas College Grand Rapids | $38,520 | $62,596 | — |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn | $14,944 | $60,795 | — |
| University of Michigan-Flint Flint | $14,014 | $57,003 | — |
| Grand Valley State University Allendale | $14,628 | $56,399 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Michigan State University, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.